Artwork

The Entombment with the Four Birds

The Entombment with the Four Birds, by Andrea Mantegna, 1483
The Entombment with the Four Birds, by Andrea Mantegna, 1483

The Entombment with the Four Birds is a print by the Renaissance artist Andrea Mantegna. It dates from 1483 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Entombment with the Four Birds is a print by Andrea Mantegna, created in 1483. It exemplifies the artist's characteristic style and techniques.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts the biblical scene of Christ's burial, surrounded by four symbolic birds. The somber scene conveys a sense of sadness and grief through the expressions and postures of the figures gathered around Jesus' body.

Technique & Style

Mantegna's work is notable for its sculptural figures, metallic landscapes, and use of perspective to create monumentality. The low horizon line emphasizes the grandeur of the scene, while the detailed rendering of clothing and facial expressions adds depth and emotion.

History & Provenance

Created during Mantegna's time in Venice, where he was a leading painter and headed a workshop known for its print production, The Entombment with the Four Birds reflects his study of Roman archaeology and artistic influences.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Andrea Mantegna

Artist

Andrea Mantegna

Andrea Mantegna (UK: , US: ; Italian: ; c. 1431 – September 13, 1506) was an Italian Renaissance painter, a student of Roman archaeology, and the son-in-law of Jacopo Bellini. Like other artists of the time, Mantegna…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.