Ludovico Mazzolino: The Crossing of the Red Sea (c.1480–1528)
Ludovico Mazzolino’s Renaissance masterpiece, The Crossing of the Red Sea, (1521) was unveiled at the National Gallery of Ireland today following an extensive research and conservation project. An exhibition supported by the TEFAF Museum Restoration Fund will run from February 15 to July 6.
Mazzolino, renowned for his small devotional paintings, primarily worked for the d’Este rulers of Renaissance Ferrara. Over time, he gained the confidence to undertake more ambitious and complex compositions. The Crossing of the Red Sea is one of only three surviving large-scale works by the artist, alongside The Massacre of the Innocents (Galleria Doria Pamphilj, Rome) and The Dispute in the Temple (Gemäldegalerie, Berlin). Recognised as a rare masterpiece, it serves as a crucial link between these key paintings from his mature career. Acquired by the National Gallery of Ireland in 1914, this remarkable work has remained out of public view for many years due to its fragile condition.
The restored painting is housed in a purpose-built microclimate frame and is presented alongside The Holy Family, (c.1500) by Lorenzo di Ottavio Costa (c.1460-1535), one of Mazzolino’s first teachers, offering insight into the artistic traditions that shaped his work, and the evolution of his distinctive style and technique. Also included is a smaller work by Mazzolino, The Tribute Money (c. 1527) from Christ Church, University of Oxford.