Death of Abel 1669

Giovanni Battista Gaulli painted 'Death of Abel' during the Baroque period, a time when the Catholic Church used art to reaffirm its power. Here, Gaulli represents Abel's demise through the lens of religious morality. Abel, the righteous shepherd, is contrasted with Cain, the envious farmer, setting the stage for a narrative steeped in sacrifice and divine favor. The depiction of Abel’s lifeless body, partially clothed in animal skin, evokes both vulnerability and a connection to the natural world, while the cherubic figures above suggest divine acceptance of Abel into heaven, reinforcing the moral of the story. It's a visceral portrayal of loss and divine judgment, inviting us to reflect on themes of morality, sacrifice, and divine justice. The raw emotionality and dramatic composition of the painting underscore the story’s lasting impact on cultural and religious identity.