This expressive early 20th-century oil painting by Belgian artist Jean Send depicts the biblical story of ‘The Pilgrims at Emmaus’.

On the evening of Christ’s resurrection, two disciples learn that the tomb of Jesus was discovered empty earlier that day. While discussing this, a stranger greets them and, according to the gospel, “their eyes were kept from recognizing him”.

They travel together towards Emmaus and, upon arriving, invite the intriguing stranger to supper. It’s at this point, once the bread is broken, they realise they’re in the presence of the resurrected Christ.

In this work from 1936, Jean Send has captured this moment in a blur of soft brushwork and gentle tonal shifts. The figure of Christ is shimmering, a divine halo clearly visible. While one of the party looks upwards in sheer astonishment.

The Pilgrims At Emmaus has been depicted in numerous works over several centuries including by Titian and Rembrandt. Many of these feature additional figures aside from those mentioned, as we see here.

Signed in the lower right and framed.

Medium: Oil on panel
Overall size: 9½” x 10” / 24cm x 25cm
Year of creation: 1936
Provenance: Private collection, England / Private collection, Dilbeek, Belgium.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Frame with light marks and signs of age.
Our reference: BRV1515