Italian or French school; 17th century.

Italian or French school; 17th century.
"The Sermon on the Mountain".
Oil on canvas. Relined.
Presents restorations.
Measurements: 50 x 92 cm.
The Sermon on the Mount, collected in chapters 5 to 7 of the Gospel of Matthew, is one of the fundamental texts of Christianity. Jesus, addressing a crowd from a hill near the Sea of Galilee, presents a synthesis of his ethical and spiritual message. This sermon includes the Beatitudes, where blessings are proclaimed to the poor in spirit, the meek and those who seek righteousness, subverting traditional notions of happiness and success.
In addition, Jesus redefines the Mosaic Law, emphasizing an inner righteousness that transcends mere external observance. He teaches about love for the enemy, the importance of humility in prayer, and presents the Lord's Prayer as a model of communion with God. It also highlights the Golden Rule as a universal ethical principle: to treat others as one wishes to be treated.

The Sermon on the Mount has found a special echo in painting, a medium that has captured its essence and conveyed its message over the centuries. Artists such as Carl Bloch and the Italian Renaissance brought this moment to life in canvases where Jesus appears surrounded by the crowd, radiating serenity and wisdom. In these works, the hallmarks of light and shadow symbolize the inner struggles of the soul and the enlightenment offered by Jesus' message.