Artwork
The Body of Christ Supported by Angels
The Body of Christ Supported by Angels is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Hendrik Goltzius. It dates from 1587 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Body of Christ Supported by Angels is a 1587 engraving on laid paper by Hendrick Goltzius, a prominent Dutch printmaker and draftsman of the early Baroque period. This religious print showcases Goltzius's technical prowess and compositional complexity.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a poignant scene of the deceased Christ being upheld by two angels amidst a somber, rocky landscape. The angels' intent expressions and the draped body convey a sense of reverence and sorrow, highlighting the emotional depth of the religious narrative.
Technique & Style
Executed in engraving, the work features sharp lines, deep shadows, and detailed textures, lending a sculptural quality. Goltzius's mastery of the medium is evident in the expressive, intricate design, characteristic of Northern Mannerism's sophistication.
History & Provenance
Created in 1587, the print exemplifies Goltzius's leading role in Dutch engraving during the early Baroque. Provenance details are not specified, but the work's style and date situates it within Goltzius's prolific output of religious themes.
Context
Emerging from the Northern Mannerist tradition, this engraving reflects the period's emphasis on intricate composition and emotional intensity in religious art. It would have been part of a broader devotional and artistic landscape in late 16th-century Holland.
Legacy
As a work by a pivotal figure in Dutch printmaking, The Body of Christ Supported by Angels contributes to the enduring legacy of Goltzius's technical innovations and artistic influences on subsequent generations of European printmakers.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hendrick Goltzius (German: , Dutch: ; né Goltz; January or February 1558 – 1 January 1617) was a German-born Dutch printmaker, draftsman, and painter.
