Artwork
Resurrection of Christ
Resurrection of Christ is an oil painting by the High Renaissance artist Bartolomé Bermejo. It dates from 1475 and is held in the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1475, this oil painting by Bartolomé Bermejo portrays the moment of Christ’s resurrection. The central figure, a bearded man emerging from a stone tomb, is illuminated by radiant gold light. The work is part of the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya and is linked to the High Renaissance aesthetic.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on the risen Christ, arms outstretched, surrounded by three women in long robes and a kneeling, haloed figure on a ledge. Scattered soldiers lie half‑buried nearby, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the event. The distant town under a golden sky situates the biblical narrative within a recognizable landscape, reinforcing themes of divine triumph and salvation.
Technique & Style
Bermejo applied multiple thin glazes, allowing light to penetrate the layers and create a luminous glow on the flesh and golden rays. This glazing method produces a subtle gradation of tone that heightens the drama and sanctity of the scene. The careful modeling of forms and the use of rich, saturated colors reflect the refined visual language of the period.
History & Provenance
The painting has remained in Spain since its creation, eventually entering the holdings of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. Documentation traces its acquisition to the museum’s early 20th‑century collection efforts, where it was identified as a rare example of Bermejo’s mature religious work.
Context
Bermejo worked during a transitional phase between the Gothic tradition and the emerging High Renaissance style in Iberia. His attention to naturalistic detail and sophisticated handling of light aligns with contemporary developments in Italian art, while retaining distinctive Spanish iconographic elements such as the inclusion of local architectural motifs in the background.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Bartolomé Bermejo was a Spanish painter who adopted Flemish painting techniques and conventions and so is considered as an artist of the Hispano-Flemish style.
