Wedding at Cana (Damaskinos)
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| Wedding at Cana | |
|---|---|
| Ο Γάμος της Κανά (Greek), Le Nozze di Cana (Italian) | |
 | |
| Artist | Michael Damaskinos |
| Year | c. 1560–1583 |
| Medium | oil on canvas on panel |
| Subject | Wedding Feast at Cana |
| Dimensions | 85 cm × 118 cm (33.5 in × 46.5 in) |
| Location | Museo Correr, Venice |
| Website | Official Website |
Wedding at Cana also known as Wedding Feast at Cana and Le Nozze di Cana is an oil painting by Michael Damaskinos. He was active during the second half of the 16th century in Heraklion, Sicily, Venice, and different parts of Italy. Over 100 works are attributed to the artist. Most of his work resembled the Greek mannerisms prevalent at the time also known as maniera greca. He was clearly influenced by Venetian painting. His version of the Wedding at Cana was a copy of Tintoretto's massive painting of the Wedding Feast at Cana. The monumental canvas was 4.4 m x 5.9 m or 14.4 ft x 19.3 ft. The painting was originally in the dining hall (refectory) of the convent of the Crociferi in Venice. Refectories typically featured large paintings of biblical banquet scenes. The monks preferred biblical banquet scenes because they desired the impression of dining with Christ. Damaskinos probably saw the painting at the convent or a copy of the masterpiece in Venice. The Damaskinos version is much smaller than the original. The painting is very important because it is one of the few instances where Damaskinos broke from the traditional maniera greca prevalent in most of his works. In this instance, he strictly followed the lines of Venetian painting exhibiting his superior craftsmanship as a painter capable of changing his style. El Greco was another painter who also painted in both styles. The Damaskinos version is currently at the Museo Correr in Venice, Italy.[1][2][3][4]
The Wedding at Cana is a popular theme painted by many artists. Italian Renaissance painter Paolo Veronese who was based in Venice painted his version of The Wedding at Cana. The theme is traditionally considered the first miracle attributed to Jesus in the Gospel of John. Jesus Christ, his mother, and his disciples were invited to a wedding. His mother noticed the wine was running out. Jesus delivered a sign of his divinity by turning the water into wine. The location of Cana was in some village in Galilee. The painting by Michael Damaskinos is a visual interpretation of the event.
