Johannes Vermeer

Christ in the house of Mary and Martha

National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh

This is the largest and possibly the earliest surviving painting by Vermeer. It is also his only known work of a biblical subject. St Luke’s Gospel tells of Christ’s visit to the sisters’ house. Christ praised Mary’s willingness to sit and listen to his teachings, unlike Martha who was preoccupied with housekeeping. The strong play of shadow and light, the characterisation of the figures and broad handling of paint were probably inspired by the work of artists from Utrecht who were influenced by Caravaggio’s art. Given the unusual size and subject-matter it is likely that the painting was a specific commission Quotation from: On-:ine connections -- Presented by the sons of W A Coats in memory of their father 1927