Artwork
Entombment of Christ
Entombment of Christ is a print by the Renaissance artist Giuseppe Scolari. It dates from 1600 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Giuseppe Scolari’s Entombment of Christ, executed around 1600, is a devotional print now in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The composition captures the moment when Christ’s body is being placed in the tomb, surrounded by mourners in a dimly lit setting that emphasizes the solemnity of the scene.
Subject & Meaning
The image focuses on the final act of burial, with Mary clutching the dead Christ’s hand and displaying profound grief. The gathering of figures conveys the Christian narrative of loss and the promise of resurrection, inviting contemplation of mortality and devotion.
Technique & Style
Scolari employs stark chiaroscuro, using a single light source to illuminate faces and the drapery’s folds while the surrounding darkness recedes. The sharp contrast between illuminated forms and deep shadow creates a three‑dimensional effect, heightening the emotional intensity of the moment.
History & Provenance
Created at the turn of the 17th century, the print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the early 20th century. Its provenance prior to museum ownership is not extensively documented, but it reflects the period’s interest in religious imagery for both private devotion and public display.
Context
Scolari’s work belongs to the late‑Mannerist tradition in Italy, where artists often explored dramatic lighting and complex compositions to convey spiritual narratives. The Entombment aligns with contemporary prints that sought to make biblical scenes accessible to a broader audience beyond painted altarpieces.
Artist & collection
