Adorazione del serpente di bronzo

Adoration of the Bronze Serpent by Lotto from 1525 depicts the episode from Numbers when Moses raised a bronze serpent to cure the Israelites of snakebite, interpreted typologically as prefiguring Christ’s crucifixion. This typological significance made it a particularly important scene in the church decorative cycle. Characteristic of the artist's mature approach, the work displays nervous, charged atmosphere in portraits, symbolic objects placed with enigmatic purpose, eclectic absorption of influences from Germany, Raphael, and Giorgione, restless spatial invention.

The composition groups the afflicted Israelites around the central serpent with dramatic effect. Lotto’s rendering of the suffering figures demonstrates his ability to convey physical and spiritual anguish.