Guido Reni - Lot and his Daughters Leaving Sodom [c.1615-16]

Guido Reni - Lot and his Daughters Leaving Sodom [c.1615-16], a photo by Gandalf's Gallery on Flickr.

The subject is taken from the Old Testament. Lot and his daughters are shown fleeing the sinful city of Sodom after being warned of its destruction by God. Lot's wife was turned into a pillar of salt for disobeying instructions not to look back at the city. The daughters later seduced their father in order to ensure the survival of his line. Since the late 18th century this painting has been regarded as a companion piece to the artist's Susannah and the Elders. However, the two pictures were not painted as a pair.

[Oil on canvas, 111.2 x 149.2 cm]

Guido Reni - Susannah and the Elders [1620-25]

Guido Reni - Susannah and the Elders [1620-25], a photo by Gandalf's Gallery on Flickr.

This episode is taken from the Old Testament Apocrypha. As the virtuous and beautiful Susannah bathes in her garden, she is approached by two elders who, lusting after her, threaten to accuse her of adultery if she does not sleep with them. She refuses and is falsely accused by them, but her innocence is proved and prevents her from being stoned. Ludovico Carracci also painted a version of this subject. Since cleaning in 1984, it has been suggested that this work is wholly by Reni.

[Oil on canvas, 116.6 x 150.5 cm]

Guido Reni - Bacchus and Ariadne [c.1619-20]

Guido Reni - Bacchus and Ariadne [c.1619-20], originally uploaded by Gandalf's Gallery.

Guido Reni (Bologna, November 4, 1575 – Bologna, August 18, 1642) was an Italian painter of high Baroque style. He is buried with in the Rosary Chapel of the Basilica of San Domenico in Bologna.

[Oil on canvas, 96.5 x 86.4 cm]