Bartolomeo Gennari (?) (Cento, 1594 - Bologna, 1661) - Oil on canvas; cm 230 x 158
The painting is datable around 1650, but we have not got definite information about it. It appears to have belonged to a municipal collection and it is said to come from the Capuchin's convent in Cesena. It was first considered Carlo Cignani's work, and later to Gennari, pupil and follower of Guercino's style.
Gennari, who is considered the true author of the painting, represents the characters in a asymmetric and diagonal composition using clean and contrasting colours.
The image is harmonious whereas the background has shaded and blended colours thus giving the scene a harmonious atmosphere despite the fact that interpretation of the picture is compromised by several widespread areas where the colours are ruined.