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Pentecost

Partnership of the Lisbon Masters16th century

Grão Vasco National Museum

Grão Vasco National Museum
Viseu, Portugal

A representation of the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Virgin Mary, the Apostles and the Holy Women. From the group of figures housed in the interior space represented in this composition, our attention is drawn to the Virgin kneeling in prayer and staring at the Book open on the floor. Mary is surrounded by the Apostles and some Holy Women. Above their heads is a ball of fire, symbolising the Holy Spirit sent to the Apostles by Christ so that these could express themselves in all languages (represented with tongues of fire), which would be needed to preach the Gospel among the Gentiles.
On the left of the Virgin, who is surrounded by the Holy Women, our attention is drawn to St. Peter, kneeling and preparing to pick up the key lying on the ground. On the other side is St. John, gazing upwards, his hands together in prayer and wearing a red tunic. At the bottom, on the right, we can see yet another apostle dressed in a dark tunic and with his hands raised in surprise. Amid the architectural elements in the background are various male figures, with prominence being given to the remaining apostles between the columns on the right.

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  • Title: Pentecost
  • Creator: Partnership of the Lisbon Masters
  • Date Created: 16th century
  • Physical Location: Grâo Vasco Nacional Museum, Viseu, Portugal
  • Physical Dimensions: 135 cm x 92 cm
  • Type: Painting
  • Medium: Oil on wood
Grão Vasco National Museum

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