Christ at Simon the Pharisee by Pierre Paul Rubens

A setting of intense devotion and spectacular forgiveness, this vast evangelical episode depicts the humility of a repentant sinner before Christ. The painter Pierre Paul Rubens orchestrates a monumental scene in “Le Festin chez Simon le Pharisien” by contrasting spiritual fervor with the self-righteousness of the guests. The artwork commands attention through the theatricality of its composition and the richness of banquet costumes.:::::In the foreground, Mary Magdalene kneels on the floor, wiping Christ’s feet with her long, untied blonde hair. Christ, draped in a red mantle and blue tunic, sits at the right of the table and extends his hand toward the penitent woman with benevolence. Around a table covered with a white tablecloth, the guests and the Pharisee Simon observe the scene with disbelief and indignation. On the left, servants carry heavy silver platters laden with precious dishes and poultry. A spotted dog stands at the lower left corner near the carved feet of the table. The classical architecture in the background opens onto a cloudy sky under theatrical lighting.:::::The virtuosity of Pierre Paul Rubens lies in the arrangement of numerous figures and the variety of psychological expressions. His brilliant handling of oil paint bestows grandiose animation as well as striking realism upon this biblical banquet.