The Entombment of Christ
by Caravaggio, 1604
Artwork Details
Details
- Year
- 1604
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
- Size
- 300 cm × 203 cm (118 × 80 in)
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Italian artist Caravaggio painted this The Entombment of Christ between 1603 and 1604 for the Chiesa Nuova in Rome. Christ's body is lowered onto a burial slab, supported by Nicodemus (whose face may be Michelangelo's) and John the Evangelist. Mary, Mary Magdalene, and Mary of Clopas grieve behind them.
The composition descends diagonally from the raised arms of the grieving women to Christ's hanging arm below. A stark stone slab juts toward viewers, as if the body might slide into our space. Dramatic chiaroscuro illuminates the scene against total darkness. The painting profoundly influenced Baroque art, with Rubens and others creating versions. It moved to the Vatican Museums' Pinacoteca during Napoleon's Italian campaign.
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About The Entombment of Christ
Caravaggio painted it for the Chiesa Nuova (Santa Maria in Vallicella) in Rome. It was moved to the Vatican during the Napoleonic era and never returned to the church.
Tradition identifies him as Nicodemus, whose face may be modeled on Michelangelo. Some scholars see this as Caravaggio's tribute to the great Renaissance master.
The painting's dramatic composition and lighting influenced generations of Baroque artists. Rubens, Rembrandt, and Géricault all created works responding to Caravaggio's powerful design.
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