ARTWORKS

Christ among the Doctors

Bernardino Luini (c.1480–c.1532)

The National Gallery, London

Christ among the Doctors

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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At the age of 12, Jesus was taken to the Temple in Jerusalem by Mary and Joseph, who became accidentally separated from him. They found him three days later debating learnedly with the theologians there (Luke 2: 41). This is the moment at which Christ first identifies himself as the son of God: ‘Why are you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’

Jesus looks at us serenely as he counts the points of his argument off on his fingers. The picture is sometimes thought to be the adult Christ disputing with the Pharisees, as he looks older than 12 – the fine down of a new beard is growing on his chin.

The painting was previously believed to be by Leonardo, and may be based on an original design by him. There are numerous versions of this picture: the composition was enormously famous.

The National Gallery, London

London

Read more on The National Gallery, London
Title

Christ among the Doctors

Date

probably about 1515-30

Medium

Oil on poplar

Measurements

H 72.4 x W 85.7 cm

Accession number

NG18

Acquisition method

Holwell Carr Bequest, 1831

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.
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Artist or maker

Bernardino Luini

c.1480–c.1532

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