Ptolemy II Discussing the Translation of the Old Testament with the Hebrew Scholars
by SPADARINO, lo, Oil on canvas, 117 x 162 cm
Spadarino is considered to be among Caravaggio’s closest followers. The present painting was executed by combining dramatic chiaroscuro with a muted colour palette.
Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285-247 B.C.) was the second ruler of the Ptolemaic Dynasty in Alexandria. An enlightened ruler, he demanded a translation of the first five books of the Old Testament, or Septuagint, for the Alexandrian Jews who more commonly spoke Koine Greek than Hebrew.