The artwork, titled “Circumcision of Christ,” was created by Orazio Gentileschi between approximately 1605 and 1607. This oil painting on canvas is a fine example of the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement and falls under the genre of religious painting.
The artwork portrays the religious scene of the circumcision of Christ, finely rendered with rich colors and detailed expressions. In the foreground, the infant Christ is surrounded by a host of figures including Mary, Joseph, and the clergy, all displaying gestures of reverence and focus. The background is divided into two sections: the upper part features a divine assembly with angels and heavenly figures looking down, while the lower part meticulously depicts the sacramental act being performed. The use of light and shadow, along with the solemn and intimate atmosphere, highlights the emotional intensity of this momentous occasion. The artwork is marked by a harmonious composition and an intricate attention to detail, characteristic of Orazio Gentileschi’s mastery in the Mannerist style.
