Pavel Pleshanov painted the picture Christ with Martha and Mary in 1855. The artist illustrated an episode from the Gospel according to Luke. Two sisters, Martha and Mary, were receiving Jesus Christ in their home: Martha was busy with her domestic chores, and Mary was listening to the Savior’s sermon sitting by His feet. When the hostess got indignant that her sister was not helping her, Jesus answered: “Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” At the time, the subject was considered “lofty” — it was a term that the Imperial Academy of Arts used to denote historical, biblical and mythological themes.
The master executed the picture according to all requirements of the Academy: The figures are traced in accordance with models of Antiquity, secondary details are painted in subdued tones, and a few color accents were used to balance the composition.The master executed the picture according to all requirements of the Academy: The figures are traced in accordance with models of Antiquity, secondary details are painted in subdued tones, and a few color accents were used to balance the composition.
