Artwork
Resurrection of Christ
Resurrection of Christ is an unspecified painting by the Early Renaissance artist Giovanni Bellini. It dates from 1475 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
Giovanni Bellini’s *Resurrection of Christ* is a late‑15th‑century work measuring roughly 148 by 128 centimetres. Executed originally on poplar panel before being transferred to canvas, the painting dates to the period between 1475 and 1479 and exemplifies the artist’s mature style.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts the risen Christ emerging from an open tomb, his body partially covered by a white shroud and his arms outstretched in a gesture of triumph. Below, a group of Roman soldiers reacts with a mixture of fear and astonishment, some cowering while others keep watch, underscoring the biblical narrative of divine victory over death.
Technique & Style
Bellini employs a softened palette and delicate modelling of light, creating a calm atmosphere that tempers the dramatic moment. The transition of tones across forms suggests a subtle use of sfumato, allowing colours to blend seamlessly and giving the figures a three‑dimensional presence against a pale blue sky dotted with clouds.
History & Provenance
Originally painted on poplar wood, the panel was later removed and adhered to canvas, a common conservation practice for works of this age. The painting’s early ownership records are sparse, but it has remained within Italian collections since its creation, reflecting its continued relevance to regional artistic heritage.
Context
Created during the early phase of the Venetian Renaissance, the work reflects Bellini’s role in shaping religious imagery for the period. Its balanced composition, restrained colour scheme, and emphasis on serene spirituality align with contemporary devotional trends while anticipating the richer chromatic experiments of later Venetian masters.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Giovanni Bellini spent his life in Venice, where the city’s soft light and water shaped his view of the world.
