PROVENANCE: Tupper Collection; Sold at Christie's, June 14, 1875; Sir Gilbert Lewis, London; F. Kleinberger & Co., 1954; BJU, 1954.

Juan de Juanes studied the Italian masters, especially Raphael. Though Spanish-born, he settled in Valencia, Italy, where he built his career by painting religious works.

In this scene, the Holy Spirit indwells the disciples while tongues of fire hover symbolically over their heads (Acts 2:1-4). De Juanes' balanced composition derives from High Renaissance art, yet the colors and various poses seem more Mannerist in style. The artist repeats facial types, changing only the hair to create different characters. This device, typical of de Juanes' paintings, reflects his probable dependence on cartoon sketchbooks rather than on actual models.

This Pentecost is the finest example of this artist's work in the country.