An artwork on Galleree from The Art Institute of Chicago.
About the artwork
Two Monks in a LandscapeItalian or Spanish
c. 1645
Italy
64.2 × 77.2 cm (25 1/4 × 30 3/8 in.); Framed: 82.9 × 95.3 × 7.7 cm (32 5/8 × 37 1/2 × 3 in.)
Oil on canvas
Wentworth Greene Field Memorial Fund
['17th Century']
['landscape', 'hills', 'house', 'man', 'men', 'travel', 'trees', 'clouds', 'sky', 'monks']
['painting', 'Italian', 'oil on canvas', 'paint', 'spanish', 'european painting']
['oil paint (paint)', 'canvas', 'paint', 'painting']
['oil painting', 'painting', 'painting (image making)', 'painting techniques']
In a serene landscape painted with soft hues, two monks sit together, engaged in a quiet conversation. Their simple robes blend harmoniously with the earthy tones of the surrounding scenery, suggesting a connection to the land and to each other.
The artist captures the moment of contemplation, where time seems to pause. One monk leans slightly forward, perhaps seeking wisdom or sharing a quiet secret, while the other sits more relaxed, embodying a deep, thoughtful presence. The distant hills and soft clouds above create a sense of tranquility, enhancing the contemplative mood of the scene.
On the ground beside them lie tattered pieces of cloth, symbolizing humility and the shedding of worldly concerns. This moment feels like an invitation to reflect on their inner thoughts and the simplicity of life. The overall composition encourages viewers to embrace stillness and consider their own reflections in the vast landscape of life.
About the artist
Welcome to the Art Institute of Chicago, home to a collection of art that spans centuries and the globe—and one of Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best” US attractions of 2023. We look forward to your visit and invite you to explore our many exhibitions and to join us for one of our free daily tours in-person.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Institute's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 111 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL, USA 60603
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