Job Story: Destroying of the House and Death of the Children
Historical Context
Pseudo Bartolomeo di Giovanni was an anonymous Florentine painter active around 1480-1500 whose work was once confused with Bartolomeo di Giovanni. This scene of the destruction of Job's house from around 1488 belongs to a cycle of panels illustrating the Book of Job, an unusual subject in Florentine art. The dramatic story of Job's tribulations provided opportunities for vivid narrative painting.
Technical Analysis
Tempera on panel with energetic narrative composition depicting the collapse of the building. The dramatic scene shows competent handling of architectural destruction and fleeing figures.
