Master of the Darmstadt Passion,(active c. 1435–1450/60)
»Christ Turning Water to Wine at the Wedding of Cana«

c. 1435, Tempera on wood

This painting, like the panel showing Christ healing a blind man, is one of an extensive series of works devoted to the miracles of Christ. In both panels the artist largely refrains from the representation of actions rather focusing attention on the central motif of the miracle-working and gesture of Christ.

Despite his realistic approach to representation, the scenes appear far removed from any real presence, an effect greatly emphasised by the uniform distribution of light. The Master of the Darmstadt Passion was virtually unrivalled by contemporaries in his ability to employ light to intensify delicate colour gradations. [ EW ]