An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Way to Emmausc. 1440
Artist: Bartolomeo di Tommaso
Italian (Umbria), active 1425 - 1453/54
One of a pair; the other is "Pentecost", 77.27.2
19 x 7 in. (48.26 x 17.78 cm) (panel)
Tempera on panel
Painting
Italy
15th century
The Putnam Dana McMillan Fund
In the hush of twilight, after the poignant chapter of Christ’s crucifixion and ascension, there lingered a deep silence among his devoted disciples. The world felt heavy, wrapped in uncertainty and grief, but hope, like a flickering candle, still burned in their hearts.
On a gentle path veering away from bustling Jerusalem, two disciples journeyed toward the quiet village of Emmaus. Their heavy footsteps were laden with doubt, and as they walked, they shared whispers of longing and unresolved fear. The sun pierced through layers of clouds, casting soft light that danced around them, echoing the light they desperately sought.
Suddenly, a figure joined them on their meandering trek. Unbeknownst to them, it was Christ himself, cloaked as a humble pilgrim, adorned in a broad-brimmed hat that shielded his face while a staff steadied his walk. The essence of the moment was surreal; the very embodiment of their faith walked beside them, yet their eyes were veiled to his true identity. He listened intently as they spoke, a soft smile playing upon his lips, his presence both comforting and challenging.
Emmaus, known as "castellum," meaning "castle" in Latin, loomed ahead—a fortified town that suggested both protection and refuge. As they reached their destination, a sense of longing intertwined with the rustic beauty around them. They settled at a humble table, the aroma of freshly baked bread embracing them, grounding their spirits.
It was only when he broke the bread and shared it with them that clarity struck like a sudden beam of sunlight illuminating dark corners of their souls. In that brilliant moment, their hearts recognized him, igniting a fire of realization that he was indeed alive. It was a revelation that rippled through their beings, filling them with an exhilarating sense of purpose.
In the context of this sacred encounter, the panel that narrates this scene once served as the wing of a small, portable altarpiece, sharing space with another story of divine mystery—Pentecost. Together, these artworks remind us of the profound connections formed through faith, understanding, and the transformative power of recognition. The journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus encapsulates a story of doubt intertwining with revelation, forever marked by the serene passage of time, inviting us to reflect on our own paths and the unseen presences that walk alongside us.
About the artist
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