Artwork
The Entombment
The Entombment is a print by John Charles Bromley. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Entombment is a black-and-white print created by John Charles Bromley in 1850, based on Caravaggio’s 1603–1604 painting of the same subject. The work depicts a somber scene of Christ’s burial, characterized by dramatic lighting and figural emphasis.
Subject & Meaning
The print illustrates the biblical moment of Christ’s entombment, with a group of robed figures gently lowering his naked body into a tomb. A woman supports the head while another reaches out, conveying sorrow and reverence.
Technique & Style
Bromley’s print employs strong chiaroscuro, leveraging ink on paper to replicate Caravaggio’s signature contrast between light and dark. This emphasizes the three-dimensionality of the figures and intensifies the emotional gravity of the scene.
History & Provenance
Created in 1850 by John Charles Bromley, this print is a 19th-century interpretation of Caravaggio’s early 17th-century masterpiece (1603–1604). The original painting’s composition is faithfully reproduced in this later printwork.
Context
This print reflects the enduring influence of Caravaggio’s Baroque style across centuries. Bromley’s work demonstrates how printmaking facilitated the dissemination of renowned artworks during the 19th century.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Charles Bromley made 19th-century religious prints that retell Bible stories in clear, dramatic lines.
