The Sermon of Saint Bernardino of Siena
- Original dimensions
- 33 x 62 cm
- Museum
- Not specified
- Year
- 1781
Scene depicted
At the heart of this pictorial work, Goya immerses us in a vibrant scene, where saint Bernardin preaches with touching fervor. The features of the faithful, mingled with the dancing shadows of the candles, evoke a great spiritual simplicity and a profound emotional intensity. It is a poignant testimony of collective faith, illustrating the power of the word that unites a community in search of hope and redemption. The canvas exudes a solemn atmosphere, almost palpable, making every detail of the composition unforgettable.
Historical context
Created in 1781 in the tumultuous context of pre- romantic Spain, this painting emblematic of Francisco de Goya is at the heart of an artistic movement in full swing. It was during this time when the ideas of the Enlightenment opposed religious dogmas that the work was born, reflecting the social and spiritual concerns of society at the time. Although the current location of this canvas is not specified, it reflects a pivotal period in Spanish history, with dimensions of 33 x 62 cm perfectly designed to capture the intensity of human emotions.
Place in the artist's career
This painting , situated at a turning point in Goya's career, marks an essential step in his exploration of spiritual and social themes. It is part of a period of artistic maturity, where his style becomes more stripped down and imbued with deep melancholy, in contrast to earlier works like The Saints Justus and Pastor and The family of Charles IV , where a more flamboyant and descriptive approach can be found. The canvas bears witness to a technical and emotional evolution, heralding a Goya embracing human complexity.
Anecdote
“Art is the reflection of our inner truth.” These words, attributed to Goya, resonate deeply when one reflects on the genesis of the masterpiece . It was a cool spring morning, in the palpable atmosphere of Madrid, where the artist, crossing faces imbued with spiritual fervor, decided to capture the very essence of the sermon of saint Bernardin of Siena. His inspiration was nourished by the murmurs of the assembly, revealing a visual force that transcends time in this painting .