Who painted Lo Spasimo Di Sicilia?

Lo Spasimo Di Sicilia was painted by William Holl in 1820.

Where can I see Lo Spasimo Di Sicilia?

Lo Spasimo Di Sicilia is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Lo Spasimo Di Sicilia?

Lo Spasimo Di Sicilia is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Lo Spasimo Di Sicilia

William Holl , 1820

Lo Spasimo Di Sicilia is a print by the Romanticist artist William Holl. It dates from 1820 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Lo Spasimo di Sicilia is an engraving by William Holl II, executed on paper, based on a design attributed to Raphael. The work depicts a pivotal moment in the Passion of Christ.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates Christ, identifiable by the crown of thorns, on his knees during the Via Crucis, surrounded by a chaotic scene of soldiers, flag bearers, and lamenting women, some of whom are haloed, conveying a moment of intense drama and devotion.

Technique & Style

Holl II employed strong chiaroscuro, leveraging pronounced contrasts between light and dark to enhance the dramatic impact and delineate the figures within the crowded composition.

History & Provenance

While specific provenance details are not provided, the engraving is known to be after a design by Raphael, situating its creation within the broader context of 19th-century engagements with Renaissance masterworks.

Context

This work reflects the enduring influence of Raphael's designs in later centuries, as well as the popularity of religious themes in 19th-century printmaking.

Legacy

Lo Spasimo di Sicilia contributes to the dissemination of Raphael's compositional ideas through print, though its broader impact or presence in significant collections is not detailed in available information.