Lot and Two Angels

This depiction goes beyond known iconographic types. The painting shows an old man with his hands clasped in prayer, an angel turning to him and one slightly articulated figure – all in half figure set against a non-descript background.

We can clearly observe the facial expressions of the characters in the close cut. The gesture and glance represent an intensely concentrating Old Testament figure, as he attentively observes the angel turned to him. The androgynous angel with an obeisant but emphatic expression and lifted index finger offers Lot participation in the Grace of God by warning him about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The concentration is focused on Lot’s state of mind which is filled with deep devotion. It creates the compassion of experience, not because of the impending threat but of participation in Christian joy. 

Depicted almost down to their knees, the figures are portrayed in a non-traditional cut. The two crucial protagonists of the plot are situated on opposite ends, with
the old man’s face, which registers enthusiasm, in the center. The lifted index finger of the angel is also situated in the center, thus stressing his message, while the non-descript background completes the central section. 

The figures emerge from the darkness through sharp light and the garments contains distinct folds. This painting was previously attributed to Giacomo Cavedone. The features here do not contradict this designation,2 but no direct analogy or quotations to it exist in his known work.
 

Zuzana Ludiková ● LUDIKOVÁ, Zuzana - BURAN, Dušan. Talianska maľba = Italian Painting. Bratislava : Slovenská národná galéria, 2013. 242 strán. ISBN 9788080591748.