Entombment (1644–52)
Original title: Entombment
kurzbeschreibung
A small etching by Wenceslaus Hollar, made between 1644 and 1652, measures just 8.9 × 6 cm and presents a biblical event: mourners stand at an empty tomb. The print remains entirely in black and white; its impact comes from an extremely delicate line.
Description
The eye is first drawn to the tomb chamber, which lies before a rock face and gives the scene its structure. Around it are several figures in simple, conventional garments and head coverings. Trees and rocks fill the background and make the natural setting tangible. Below the image runs an inscribed line of text referring to the biblical narrative. The postures and bowed heads of those present seem inward-turned, as if absorbed in quiet reflection.
Context
Behind the etching stands Wenceslaus Hollar (1607–1677), a Bohemian printmaker whose reputation rests above all on very precise etchings. The print was made during his English years, when he worked for various patrons. He used a painting by Annibale Carracci as his model. Hollar was valued precisely for reproducing foreign models with great accuracy and technical skill.
Impact
Calm and devotion emanate from this small print; the even distribution of light and carefully graded shading give it a depth one would hardly expect at this size. The grief of the figures remains restrained and collected, with no dramatic intensification. Finely placed lines and the balanced arrangement guide the eye calmly across the image.
Technique
The print was made in etching, and in the only state: no further printing states exist. Etched lines form the shapes, while hatching and cross-hatching provide modelling. Despite the small format, Hollar achieves a clear plastic effect with his fine network of lines.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)