Artwork
Beweinung Christi (zugeschrieben)
Beweinung Christi (zugeschrieben) is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Hans Rottenhammer. It dates from 1598 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. Attributed to the German artist Johann Rottenhammer and dated 1598, this small‑scale oil painting depicts a dramatic post‑crucifixion scene.
About this work
Overview
Attributed to the German artist Johann Rottenhammer and dated 1598, this small‑scale oil painting depicts a dramatic post‑crucifixion scene. Executed in the early Baroque idiom that had spread from Italy, the work belongs to the religious genre and is currently housed in Munich’s Alte Pinakothek.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a lifeless, unclothed figure lying on the ground, surrounded by mourners. A man cradles the head of the fallen body, while a woman nearby clasps her hands in prayerful grief. Above them, two winged beings hover, suggesting the presence of angels witnessing the sorrowful moment.
Technique & Style
Rottenhammer employs a stark chiaroscuro, allowing the illuminated forms of the figures to emerge from a deep, shadowed background. The handling of light creates a three‑dimensional effect, emphasizing the emotional intensity of the scene. The brushwork is precise, reflecting the artist’s reputation for meticulous detail in small formats.
History & Provenance
Although the painting bears Rottenhammer’s signature, its attribution remains scholarly, based on stylistic parallels with his other works. Since the early 20th century it has formed part of the Alte Pinakothek’s collection, where it is displayed among other examples of Northern artists who adopted Italian Baroque conventions.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johann Rottenhammer, or Hans Rottenhammer (1564 – 14 August 1625), was a German painter. He specialized in highly finished paintings on a small scale.
