Christ seated on the tomb supported by angels
Original title: Christ seated on the tomb supported by angels
kurzbeschreibung
This engraving by the Master of the Die was made between 1530 and 1560. Christ has taken his place on a sarcophagus, surrounded by four angels. The theme of resurrection is combined with a richly detailed landscape in the background.
Description
The layout feels balanced: Christ sits on the sarcophagus at the center, with two angels on either side. They wear flowing robes and have clearly defined wings; Christ appears in traditional iconography with a loincloth. Two crosses in the distance refer to the Crucifixion. A city wall and buildings suggest a historical setting. Diffuse light gives the scene a muted, almost monochrome effect.
Context
The Master of the Die was an engraver active in sixteenth-century Rome, named after the die in his signature. This print belongs to the High Renaissance, a period when religious prints circulated widely. The motif of Christ supported by angels on the tomb was common and linked the Passion and the Resurrection. The city in the background could mean Jerusalem or an idealized Italian town.
Impact
The symmetrical arrangement and Christ's calm posture create a solemn, devotional mood. The detailed landscape and soft lines produce a harmonious, almost meditative atmosphere. The monochrome design draws attention to the figures and the narrative elements.
Technique
The print was made as an engraving: lines are incised into a copper plate and then printed. Precise linework and careful hatching demonstrate the master's high level of craftsmanship. The sheet measures 21 x 17 cm and is a typical example of Renaissance printmaking.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)