The artwork titled “Elisha Multiplies the Bread” was created by the artist Tintoretto between the years 1577 and 1578. Rendered in oil on canvas, it is an exemplary piece of the Mannerism art movement, also known as Late Renaissance. This religious painting measures 370 x 265 cm.
In the artwork, the viewer beholds a dramatic scene wherein Elisha, the central figure, is depicted in the act of distributing bread to a group surrounding him. The composition is characterized by its dynamic brushstrokes and the use of chiaroscuro, spotlighting the theological virtue of charity. The figures, rendered with elongated forms typical of Mannerism, convey a sense of urgency and divine intervention. The background features an ominous sky, further intensifying the miraculous nature of the event, while the surrounding landscape provides a somber setting that amplifies the essence of the biblical narrative being portrayed.
