Artwork
The Apostles Gathered Around the Tomb of the Virgin
The Apostles Gathered Around the Tomb of the Virgin is a drawing by the Renaissance artist Camillo Procaccini. It dates from 1594 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This drawing by Camillo Procaccini is a preparatory study for a large oil painting in the apse of Santa Maria Maggiore in Bergamo, Italy.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts the apostles gathered around the Virgin's empty tomb, reacting with emotion to her miraculous ascension. The drawing is part of a larger program illustrating the Assumption of the Virgin, a key Catholic doctrine.
Technique & Style
Procaccini's quick, expressive lines and overlapping figures reveal his iterative process. The use of chiaroscuro creates a dramatic effect, with light and shadow heightening the emotional intensity of the scene.
History & Provenance
The drawing is linked to a specific commission in a Catholic church, reflecting the artistic and devotional priorities of the Counter Reformation.
Artist & collection
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