The Descent of the Holy Ghost
Artist
Pedro Machuca
(Spanish, ca. 1490-1550)
Dateca. 1520-1530
Object number62.0265
Mediumoil on panel
Dimensions13 5/8 x 52 5/8 in. (34.6 x 133.7 cm)
frame: 55 5/8 x 16 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (141.3 x 41.9 x 8.9 cm)
frame: 55 5/8 x 16 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (141.3 x 41.9 x 8.9 cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineMuseo de Arte de Ponce. The Luis A. Ferré Foundation, Inc.
Gift of Samuel H. Kress Foundation, New York
Collections
DescriptionOn the Christian feast of Pentecost, the Virgin Mary and the twelve apostles gathered in Jerusalem. During this gathering, they witnessed a miracle: the Holy Ghost, depicted as a dove with a large halo, descended into the room and empowered everyone to speak in different languages, enabling them to preach the Gospel in foreign lands.
The Spanish painter Pedro Machuca worked in Rome, most likely in Raphael’s renowned workshop, before returning to Spain in 1520. It is believed that he created this intensely emotional piece after returning to the Iberian Peninsula. Machuca brought with him artistic innovations that were popular in Italy at the time. The painting demonstrates the use of perspective and naturalistic figures, similar to the works of the great masters of the Italian Renaissance. Its horizontal format suggests that it was originally used as a predella for an altarpiece that would have been placed above it. This panel was one of sixteen Italian and Spanish paintings donated to the Museo de Arte de Ponce by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation in 1962.
Spotted an error or information that is missing? Our collection database is a living document which is frequently updated and may change with further research. If you have additional information to share, please contact Museo de Arte de Ponce at images@museoarteponce.org
tell us more.
