01 Work, Orientalist Artist, Alexandre Cabanel's Thamar, with footnotes #125

Alexandre Cabanel

Thamar, c. 1875

Huile sur toile/ Oil on canvas

H. 180,0 ; L. 248,0 cm.

Musée d’Orsay

In the Book of Genesis, Tamar was the daughter-in-law of Judah (twice), as well as the mother of two of his children: the twins Perez and Zerah.

Tamar is first described as marrying Judah's eldest son, Er. Because of his wickedness, Er was killed by God. By way of a levirate union, Judah asked his second son, Onan, to provide offspring for Tamar so that the family line might continue. This could have substantial economic repercussions, with any son born deemed the heir of the deceased Er, and able to claim the firstborn's double share of inheritance. However, if Er was childless, Onan would inherit as the oldest surviving son.

Onan performed coitus interruptus. His action displeased God and so, like his older brother, God killed him. At this point, Judah is portrayed as viewing Tamar to be cursed and therefore as being reluctant to give her his remaining and youngest son Shelah. Rather, he tells Tamar to wait for Shelah. However, even after Shelah has grown up, Judah still does not give Tamar to him in marriage.

After Shelah had grown up, Judah became a widower. After Judah mourned the death of his wife, he planned on going to Timnath to shear his sheep. Upon hearing this news, Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute and immediately went to Timnath which was en route to Judah's destination. Upon arriving at a place near Timnath, where two roads met, Judah saw the woman but did not recognize her as Tamar because of the veil she wore over her face. Thinking she was a prostitute, he requested her services. Tamar's plan was to become pregnant by this ruse so that she might bear a child in Judah's line, since Judah had not given her to his son Shelah. So she played the part of a prostitute and struck a bargain with Judah for a goat, secured by his staff, seal, and cord. When Judah was able to have a goat sent to Timnath, in order to collect his staff and seal, the woman was nowhere to be found and no one knew of any prostitute in Timnath.

Three months later, Tamar was accused of prostitution on account of her pregnancy. Upon hearing this news, Judah ordered that she be burned to death. Tamar sent the staff, seal, and cord to Judah with a message declaring that the owner of these items was the man who had made her pregnant. Upon recognizing these items as his security, Judah released Tamar from her sentence. Tamar, having thus secured her place in the family as well as Judah's posterity, gave birth to twins, Perez and Zerah. Their birth is reminiscent of the birth of Rebekah's twin sons. The midwife marks Zerah's hand with a scarlet cord when he emerges first from the womb, though Perez is born first. Perez is identified in the Book of Ruth as the ancestor of King David. The Genesis narrative also makes a note that Judah did not have further sexual relations with Tamar. 

According to Ethiopic tradition, Perez became the king of Persia. More on Thamar

Alexandre Cabanel (28 September 1823 – 23 January 1889) was a French painter born in Montpellier, Hérault. He painted historical, classical and religious subjects in the academic style. He was also well known as a portrait painter. According to Diccionario Enciclopedico Salvat, Cabanel is the best representative of the L'art pompier and Napoleon III's preferred painter.

Cabanel entered the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris at the age of seventeen, and studied with François-Édouard Picot. He exhibited at the Paris Salon for the first time in 1844, and won the Prix de Rome scholarship in 1845 at the age of 22. Cabanel was elected a member of the Institute in 1863. He was appointed professor at the École des Beaux-Arts in 1864 and taught there until his death.

He was closely connected to the Paris Salon: "He was elected regularly to the Salon jury and his pupils could be counted by the hundred. Through them, Cabanel did more than any other artist of his generation to form the character of belle époque French painting". His refusal together with William-Adolphe Bouguereau to allow the impressionist painter Édouard Manet and many other painters to exhibit their work in the Salon of 1863 led to the establishment of the Salon des Refusés by the French government. Cabanel won the Grande Médaille d'Honneur at the Salons of 1865, 1867, and 1878. More on Alexandre Cabanel

Please visit my other blogs: Art Collector, Mythology, Marine Art, Portrait of a Lady, The Orientalist, Art of the Nude and The Canals of Venice, Middle East Artists, 365 Saints, 365 Days, and Biblical Icons, also visit my Boards on Pinterest and deviantart

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The Virgin and the Child - Religious Art - Paintings from the Bible

Albrecht Dürer 1471 - 1528

The Virgin and the Child

Copper engraving, watermark: Krüglein on 14,7 x 10,1 cm (measurement of the plate 14 x 9cm). Signed and dated in the plate: AD 1520.

Mary is sitting in a broad landscape, holding the sleeping and swaddled Child in her arms. Her head is crowned by a nimbus and over her sober undergarment with puffy, almost mannered sleeves, she wears a heavy, fur-lined dress which shows at the lower seam. The simple fur collar is held together by a brooch. The Blessed Mother is sitting on a cushion, which is lying on a simple stone cuboid. The sleeping Christ Child is swaddeled from head to toe and by the means of the cross nimbus his later destiny of being the saviour of mankind is already announced. Mary's serious facial expression can be understood in the same way. The motif of the Blessed Mother worrying about her sleeping Child comes from Italy, where it was depicted repeatedly by Bellini. 

The landscape in the background is not depicted in much detail, nevertheless it is certainly a riverside with tiny townscapes. A small stone plate, carrying Albrecht Dürer's initials as well as the year 1520, is leaning on the stone step in the left foreground. More

Salvador Dalí's 12 Apostles (Knights of the Round Table) Suite of 12 Lithographs c. 1972, with footnotes

Salvador Dalí

The Twelve Apostles (as Knights of the Round Table) (F. 180-81; M. & L. 1504-1515), c, 1977

lithograph in colors with embossing and foil on Arches paper

Private collection

Though there is some discussion surrounding the identification of the figures, they are accepted to be: Christ, James the Lesser, James the Greater, "The Watcher" and Saints Andrew, Mark, John, Peter, Thomas, Jude, Matthew, and Phillip

Identification has been made by examination of the images for symbols associated with each of them. More weight has been given to tradition than to theological scholarships because Dali would not have been aware of the latter.

Salvador Dalí

Lancelot of the Lake/ James the Greater

From The Twelve Apostles (as Knights of the Round Table) (F. 180-81; M. & L. 1504-1515), c, 1977

lithograph in colors with embossing and foil on Arches paper

H: 19 3/8", : 18 1/8"

Private collection

Lancelot, also spelled Launcelot, also called Lancelot of the Lake, French Lancelot du Lac, one of the greatest knights in Arthurian romance; he was the lover of Arthur’s queen, Guinevere, and was the father of the pure knight Sir Galahad. More on Lancelot

James the Great, also known as James, son of Zebedee, Saint James the Great, Saint James the Greater, Saint James the Elder, or Saint Jacob (died AD 44), was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. According to the New Testament, he was the second of the apostles to die (after Judas Iscariot), and the first to be martyred. Saint James is the patron saint of Spain and, according to tradition, his remains are held in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. More on James the Greater

Salvador Dalí

Patricius/ Christ

From The Twelve Apostles (as Knights of the Round Table) (F. 180-81; M. & L. 1504-1515), c, 1977

lithograph in colors with embossing and foil on Arches paper

H: 19 3/8", : 18 1/8"

Private collection

Patricius (459–471) was an Eastern Roman Caesar, the son of the powerful general Aspar, who for almost two decades was the effective power behind the throne of the Eastern Roman Empire. Of mixed Roman and barbarian origin, Patricius was destined for the imperial throne by his father. He rose to the rank of caesar under Emperor Leo I, before his father's murder in 471 led to his own downfall and possibly death. More on Patricius

The word Christ appears in English and in most European languages. English-speakers now often use "Christ" as if it were a name, one part of the name "Jesus Christ", though it was originally a title ("the Messiah"). Its usage in "Christ Jesus" emphasizes its nature as a title. Compare the usage "the Christ". 

The most common, and easily recognisable, Christian symbol is the cross. This refers to the Christian belief that Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross to save mankind. More on Christ

Salvador Dalí

The Knighting of Sir Galahad/ Phillip

From The Twelve Apostles (as Knights of the Round Table) (F. 180-81; M. & L. 1504-1515), c, 1977

lithograph in colors with embossing and foil on Arches paper

H: 19 3/8", : 18 1/8"

Private collection

Galahad, sometimes referred to as Galeas or Galath, among other versions of his name, is a knight of King Arthur's Round Table and one of the three achievers of the Holy Grail in Arthurian legend. He is the illegitimate son of Sir Lancelot du Lac and Lady Elaine of Corbenic and is renowned for his gallantry and purity as the most perfect of all knights. More on Galahad

The Synoptic Gospels list Philip as one of the apostles. The Gospel of John recounts Philip's calling as a disciple of Jesus. Philip is described as a disciple from the city of Bethsaida, and the evangelist connects him with Andrew and Peter, who were from the same town. He also was among those surrounding John the Baptist when the latter first pointed out Jesus as the Lamb of God. More on Philip

Salvador Dalí

Lancelot Healing Sir Urre/ Doubting Thomas

From The Twelve Apostles (as Knights of the Round Table) (F. 180-81; M. & L. 1504-1515), c, 1977

lithograph in colors with embossing and foil on Arches paper

H: 19 3/8", : 18 1/8"

Private collection

Sir Urry, grieved by seven wounds that will never heal until the wounds have been treated by the best knight in the world, comes to Arthur's court at Pentecost. Arthur and all his court try to help him, but only Launcelot is effective, not through his own virtue but through his humble appeal to the Trinity. Urry follows Launcelot from that day forward, along with Sir Lavine. More on Sir Urry

Doubting Thomas was a skeptic who refused to believe without direct personal experience , the resurrected Jesus had appeared to the ten other apostles until he could see and feel Jesus' crucifixion wounds. 

In art this subject, formally termed The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, has been common since at least the early 6th century, when it appears in the mosaics at Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, and on the Monza ampullae. In those depictions, as later in the Baroque, the subject, normally depicted at the moment Thomas puts his fingers into Jesus' side. More on Doubting Thomas

Salvador Dalí

Knight of the Sparrow-Hawk/ John

From The Twelve Apostles (as Knights of the Round Table) (F. 180-81; M. & L. 1504-1515), c, 1977

lithograph in colors with embossing and foil on Arches paper

H: 19 3/8", : 18 1/8"

Private collection

Sir Geraint, who was the eldest son of King Erbin of Dumnonia was a Knight of Devonshire. After the death of his his wife, Prince Geraint spent much of his time at King Arthur’s Court looking for action and adventure. It was during this period that he encountered the Sparrow Hawk Knight.

Sparrow Hawk Knight was the nephew of Earl Yniol, and that he had had robbed him of his earldom and all his wealth. 

Geraint borrowed Yniol's rusty old armor and entered a tournament against the Sparrow Hawk Night and was victorious,  and Enid,  Yniol daughter, was awarded the prize for beauty. The "sparrow-hawk" agreed to return the earldom to Yniol. More on Knight of the Sparrow-Hawk

John the Apostle (6 AD – c. 100 AD) or Saint John the Beloved was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus according to the New Testament.,G generally listed as the youngest apostle. The Church Fathers identify him as John the Evangelist, John of Patmos, John the Elder, and the Beloved Disciple, and testify that he outlived the remaining apostles and was the only one to die of natural causes. More on John the Apostle

Salvador Dalí

Merlin the Magician/ Mark

From The Twelve Apostles (as Knights of the Round Table) (F. 180-81; M. & L. 1504-1515), c, 1977

lithograph in colors with embossing and foil on Arches paper

H: 19 3/8", : 18 1/8"

Private collection

Merlin is a mythical figure prominently featured in the legend of King Arthur and best known as a mage, with several other main roles. More on Merlin

Mark the Evangelist, also known as John Mark or Saint Mark, is the person who is traditionally ascribed to be the author of the Gospel of Mark. According to Church tradition, Mark founded the episcopal see of Alexandria, which was one of the five most important sees of early Christianity. More on Mark the Evangelist

Salvador Dalí

Knights of the Realm/ The Watcher

From The Twelve Apostles (as Knights of the Round Table) (F. 180-81; M. & L. 1504-1515), c, 1977

lithograph in colors with embossing and foil on Arches paper

H: 19 3/8", : 18 1/8"

Private collection

The image of a woman’s face with 12 tiny figures in her hair cannot be that of an apostle. It has been called “The Watcher” and may represent what Dali Called “the piercing gaze a Gala.” In the Knights of the Round Table the piece has been given the name “Knights of the Realm”. 

A Watcher is a type of biblical angel. 

Salvador Dalí

Keeper of the Keys/ Peter

From The Twelve Apostles (as Knights of the Round Table) (F. 180-81; M. & L. 1504-1515), c, 1977

lithograph in colors with embossing and foil on Arches paper

H: 19 3/8", : 18 1/8"

Private collection

In Arthurian legend, Sir Kay is King Arthur's foster brother and later seneschal, keeper of the keys or sergeant at arms, as well as one of the first Knights of the Round Table. In later literature he is known for his acid tongue and bullying, boorish behaviour, but in earlier accounts he was one of Arthur's premier warriors. More on Sir Kay

Jesus declares: "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Cephas (Peter) (Petros), and on this rock (petra) I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." More on Peter

Salvador Dalí

Visions of Camelot/ Andrew

From The Twelve Apostles (as Knights of the Round Table) (F. 180-81; M. & L. 1504-1515), c, 1977

lithograph in colors with embossing and foil on Arches paper

H: 19 3/8", : 18 1/8"

Private collection

According to some accounts, seven decades after Jesus was crucified, his apostle Andrew underwent the same punishment. To disparage and mock his Christianity, the Romans tilted the cross on which he was crucified so that it appeared as an "X" rather than in the shape held in reverence by the Christian faithful. Andrew had converted multitudes to Christianity throughout the Mediterranean, including the wife of a Roman provincial governor in southern Greece; the governor, in turn, immediately ordered Andrew to be scourged and then crucified. More on Andrew 

Salvador Dalí

Vicar of Britain/ James the Lesser

From The Twelve Apostles (as Knights of the Round Table) (F. 180-81; M. & L. 1504-1515), c, 1977

lithograph in colors with embossing and foil on Arches paper

H: 19 3/8", : 18 1/8"

Private collection

James the Lessor was Bishop of Jerusalem. In the Knights of the Round Table the piece has been given the name “Vicar of Britain”.  

Salvador Dalí

Excaliber/ Jude

From The Twelve Apostles (as Knights of the Round Table) (F. 180-81; M. & L. 1504-1515), c, 1977

lithograph in colors with embossing and foil on Arches paper

H: 19 3/8", : 18 1/8"

Private collection

The image of Jude has no special symbol. This could be Bartholomew, who was flayed alive, or it could be Thaddeus (Simon).’ In the Knights of the Round Table the piece has been given the name “Excalibur”.  

Salvador Dalí

Geoffrey of Monmouth/ Matthew

From The Twelve Apostles (as Knights of the Round Table) (F. 180-81; M. & L. 1504-1515), c, 1977

lithograph in colors with embossing and foil on Arches paper

H: 19 3/8", : 18 1/8"

Private collection

Geoffrey of Monmouth (c. 1095 – c. 1155) was a cleric from Monmouth, Wales, and one of the major figures in the development of British historiography and the popularity of tales of King Arthur. He is best known for his chronicle The History of the Kings of Britain which was widely popular in its day, being translated into other languages from its original Latin. More on Geoffrey of Monmouth

The Gospel of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament of the Bible and one of the three synoptic Gospels. It tells how Jesus comes to his people (the Jews) but is rejected by them. More on The Gospel of Matthew

Salvador Dali was born in 1904 in Figueres, Spain. Dali was encouraged to explore his artistic talents from an early age. He received formal training at the Academia de San Fernando in Madrid where he quickly gained attention from his classmates for his Cubist work. Dali was expelled from the Academia for behavioral issues and moved to Paris, where he quickly befriended Picasso, Magritte, and Miro. His new acquaintances led Dali to his Surrealist phase.

Though inspired by classic artists like Raphael, Bronzino, Vermeer, and Velazquez (Dali’s trademark mustache was influenced by Velazquez), Dali is best known for his surrealist work. In 1931, Dali painted “The Persistence of Memory,” his most famous piece, which featured the motif of the melting clock, which can be found in many of his works. More on Salvador Dali

Please visit my other blogs: Art Collector, Mythology, Marine Art, Portrait of a Lady, The Orientalist, Art of the Nude and The Canals of Venice, Middle East Artists, 365 Saints and 365 Days, also visit my Boards on Pinterest

Images are copyright of their respective owners, assignees or others. Some Images may be subject to copyright

I don't own any of these images - credit is always given when due unless it is unknown to me. if I post your images without your permission, please tell me.

I do not sell art, art prints, framed posters or reproductions. Ads are shown only to compensate the hosting expenses.

If you enjoyed this post, please share with friends and family.

Thank you for visiting my blog and also for liking its posts and pages.

Please note that the content of this post primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online.