# Ptolemy II Discussing the Translation of the Old Testament with the Hebrew Scholars

[View the canonical artwork record](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/spadarino-lo-rfd0112e98d3956/ptolemy-ii-discussing-the-translation-of-the-old-testament-with-the-hebrew-scholars-re4cbfe9c694dc3>)

## Artwork

- Artist: [SPADARINO, lo](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/spadarino-lo-rfd0112e98d3956>)
- Date: 1601-1650
- Technique: Oil on canvas, 117 x 162 cm

## Commentary

Spadarino is considered to be among Caravaggio&#39;s closest followers. The present painting was executed by combining dramatic chiaroscuro with a muted colour palette. Ptolemy II Philadelphus \(285-247 B.C.\) was the second ruler of the Ptolemaic Dynasty in Alexandria. An enlightened ruler, he demanded a translation of the first five books of the Old Testament, or Septuagint, for the Alexandrian Jews who more commonly spoke Koine Greek than Hebrew.

## Related artworks

- [Venus with Doves](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/spadarino-lo-rfd0112e98d3956/venus-with-doves-r88cc487b5ad4b7>)

## Attribution

[Web Gallery of Art](<https://beta.wga.hu/pages/about>)