Oil on canvas
Period 1620/1640
canvas cm. 201 x 136
frame cm. 224 x 158
The painting depicts the episode from the Gospel of Matthew, "The Tribute Coin." Although with some variations, it is an important contemporary copy of the famous painting by Peter Paul Rubens executed in 1612, exhibited at the Fine Art Museum of San Francisco.
The phrase from the dispute between Jesus and the Pharisees in the Temple, "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's," is written in Latin at the bottom right.
The success of this masterpiece by the great master from Antwerp was such that it engaged his workshop and the circle of Flemish artists in his entourage to reproduce the subject to satisfy the requests of important ecclesiastical and private commissions.
In this case, the dimensions of the work and the excellent pictorial characteristics engaged the author, and it is evident that its original placement was in a highly prestigious environment.
The condition of the canvas is very good.
The paint layer is healthy and free of detachment.
Retouching is confined to the dark background.
The important lacquered and gilded coffer frame is antique but not contemporary.
