The Lamentation of the Dead Christ
Original title: The lamentation of the dead Christ who is supported by the Virgin Mary and surrounded by other figures
kurzbeschreibung
Mary supports the lifeless body of Christ, while other mourners stand around the two. Marcantonio Raimondi made this Lamentation around 1515–16 as an engraving. In the lower right corner, the sheet has been made up with pen and black ink on a replacement paper.
Description
The body of Christ lies at the center, held by the Virgin Mary, while several figures in traditional robes arrange themselves around him into a group of lamentation. The layout feels balanced and almost mirror-like. Behind the mourners appear trees, rocks, a cross and further figures that point to the religious context. Fine lines drawn with the burin model light and shadow in the monochrome print. The movements and gestures of the figures are rendered with great care.
Context
Raimondi is counted among the Italian engravers of the Renaissance and became known above all for his reproductive engravings after designs by artists such as Raphael. The Lamentation of Christ is one of the most widespread themes of Christian iconography and was frequently treated in the sixteenth century. The fact that the lower right corner was supplemented with pen and ink suggests a later restoration or reworking of the print.
Impact
The calm, almost symmetrical grouping of the figures gives the scene a solemn, collected tone. Through the clear drawing of light and shadow, the sheet feels physical and spatial, so that the viewer is drawn into the grief of those depicted.
Technique
The sheet was produced as an engraving: lines are cut into a metal plate and then printed with ink on paper. The addition in the lower right was made with pen and black ink on a replacement leaf and points to a repair of the original print.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)