After the Crucifixion, two of Christ's disciples set out for Emmaus. They were joined by Christ himself, disguised as a pilgrim, who explained the prophecies concerning his death & resurrection. It was not until they broke bread together at an inn in Emmaus that the disciples recognised the risen Christ (Luke 24: 13-29). A goldfinch in the foreground probably symbolises Christ's Passion. The painting, which reveals the influence of Michelangelo, is datable after Orsi's trip to Rome (and probably to the period about 1565-75).