About this artwork
In the biblical account, Christ was questioned by the Pharisees whether it was right that they should have to pay taxes to Rome. He responded by asking them whose head appeared on their coins and declared: ‘Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s’. This painting was commissioned in 1625 by the Roman nobleman Asdrubale Mattei as part of a series by several artists for the gallery of his palace. The compact, half-length figure group and unidealised types were influenced by comparable works by Caravaggio.
Updated December 2020
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artist:Giovanni Serodine (1600 - 1630) Italian
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title:The Tribute Money
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date created:1625
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materials:Oil on canvas
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measurements:146.00 x 227.00 cm; Framed: 173.50 x 255.30 x 11.00 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Bequest of Mrs Nisbet Hamilton Ogilvy of Biel 1921
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accession number:NG 1513
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gallery:
Giovanni Serodine
Giovanni Serodine
Serodine was born in Ascona, but by about 1620 was working in Rome. There he was greatly influenced by Caravaggio’s work, especially his use of unidealised figures and strong light and shadow. In the past Serodine’s paintings have been confused with the work of Hendrick Terbrugghen, the great Dutch...