Who painted The Entombment?

The Entombment was painted by German 15th Century in 1470.

Where can I see The Entombment?

The Entombment is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Entombment?

The Entombment is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Entombment

German 15th Century , 1470

The Entombment is a paint print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1470 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Entombment is a small metalcut print, hand-colored in a vibrant palette of yellow, red-brown lake, and green. The compact scene depicts a emotionally charged gathering of five figures around a shrouded body within a tomb.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork illustrates a somber, intimate moment of mourning, with three standing and two lying figures clustered around the deceased. The composition conveys a sense of collective grief and reverence.

Technique & Style

Executed as a metalcut with hand-coloring, the piece features sharp lines, bold, flat colors, and stylized figures with large eyes, prioritizing narrative expressiveness over realism. The technique differs from woodcuts in its use of metal tools.

Context

The use of strong contrasts and dramatic lighting effects in The Entombment relates to the artistic principle of chiaroscuro, which emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow to heighten emotional impact.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of The Entombment are not provided, its style and technique reflect broader artistic trends of its time, potentially influencing or echoing contemporary representations of mournful scenes in early printmaking.