Artwork

The Lamentation and Entombment

The Lamentation and Entombment, by Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen, ink, 1514
The Lamentation and Entombment, by Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen, ink, 1514

The Lamentation and Entombment is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen. It dates from 1514 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Lamentation and Entombment is a 1514 woodcut on laid paper by Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen, a prominent Northern Netherlandish artist based in early 16th-century Amsterdam. This print combines two consecutive biblical scenes into one composition.

Subject & Meaning

Depicting a somber scene of collective grief, the work shows a group surrounding a recumbent figure, set against a subdued backdrop with a cross, trees, and a hill. The overall mood conveys profound sadness and mourning, characteristic of Northern Renaissance religious narratives.

Technique & Style

Executed using woodcut techniques, the print achieves a textured, depthful quality. Van Oostsanen’s detailed approach aligns with the Northern Renaissance’s emphasis on intricate, emotionally charged religious storytelling.

History & Provenance

Created during Amsterdam’s cultural ascendance, this work predates the influence of later regional artists, such as Van Oostsanen’s student Jan van Scorel. As both a woodcut designer and painter, Van Oostsanen established significant regional influence.

Context

Produced in 1514, the piece reflects the artistic and religious sentiments of Northern Europe during the early 16th century, embodying the Renaissance’s narrative depth in religious art.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of *The Lamentation and Entombment* are not highlighted, Van Oostsanen’s overall body of work, including this piece, contributes to the broader legacy of Northern Netherlandish art in the Northern Renaissance.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen

Artist

Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen

Jacob Cornelisz van Oostsanen (before 1470 – 1533) was a Northern Netherlandish designer of woodcuts and painter.

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