Who painted Descent from the Cross?

Descent from the Cross was painted by François-Philippe Charpentier in 1764.

Where can I see Descent from the Cross?

Descent from the Cross is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Descent from the Cross?

Descent from the Cross is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Descent from the Cross

François-Philippe Charpentier , 1764

Descent from the Cross is an ink print by the Romanticist artist François-Philippe Charpentier. It dates from 1764 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Descent from the Cross is a 1764 print by French engraver François-Philippe Charpentier, executed in etching and aquatint on laid paper in a monochromatic brown hue.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a poignant moment from Christian iconography: the removal of a body from a cross. Figures, entwined in flowing robes, exhibit physical strain as they carefully lower the body, with some kneeling and others using a ladder. The scene conveys a sense of solemn urgency.

Technique & Style

Charpentier utilized etching and aquatint to achieve expressive shading, emphasizing the muscular effort of the figures and the weight of the draped cloth. The dominant brown tone imbues the scene with a sense of shadowy intensity.

History & Provenance

Created in 1764 by Charpentier, who had trained in Paris after a brief stint in a Jesuit college, the print is now part of the National Gallery of Art's collection in Washington.

Context

Charpentier's work reflects his development of a mechanical aquatint process, a technical innovation of his time. Understanding etching techniques provides insight into the artistic choices behind this piece.

Artist & collection

Artist

François-Philippe Charpentier

François-Philippe Charpentier (b. Blois, 1734; d. there 22 July 1817) was a French engraver and inventor. His father was a bookbinder, a poor man who reportedly made many sacrifices so that his son might attend the…