Bernardo Strozzi 1581 – 1644

The Conversion of Zacchaeus

oil on canvas (163 × 100 cm) — 2nd q 17th century Musée des beaux-arts, Nantes

This work is linked to Luke 19:5

Zacchaeus (or Zaccheus) is Jericho's chief tax collector, and probably the richest man in town. Being of small stature he has to climb a tree to witness the arrival of Jesus. Much to his surprise, Jesus asks him to be his host. Zaccheus is happy to oblige. The Jericho citizens are stunned by Jesus' choice: tax collectors are very unpopular and considered sinners. Zaccheus promises to give away half his riches to the poor and to return money to the many he has extorted.

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