Lodewijk Toeput, called Pozzoserrato

Pozzoserrato's combination of Flemish and Italian elements in this sweeping landscape is characteristic of his work. Though Flemish by birth, the artist spent his entire career in Italy, where his frescoes and easel paintings of landscapes were especially celebrated. Here, a windblown tree anchors the expansive vista, before which two New Testament episodes unfold. The high vantage point and expert use of atmospheric perspective create the effect of an unending panorama, where rivers and roads snake through classical ruins. At upper left Christ stands atop a high mountain as a winged Satan tempts the son of God by offering him all the world's kingdoms. In the foreground a haloed Christ is approached by the skeptical Apostle Thomas, who refuses to believe Christ has been resurrected without touching his wounds. The painting merges religious and secular genres. The sun bursting through the clouds, for instance, both creates a picturesque effect and serves as an allegory of Christ's conquering death.