Artwork
Pietà
Pietà is a tempera painting by Lieven van Lathem. It dates from 1475 and is held in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum.
About this work
Overview
Pietà is a tempera painting created around 1475 by Lieven van Lathem, currently housed at the Ashmolean Museum.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a poignant scene of mourning: a kneeling woman, dressed in a long black robe and white headscarf, prays over the body of a man. Her bowed head and clasped hands convey grief, while the man, covered by a white cloth with his head turned sideways, lies lifeless.
Technique & Style
Executed in tempera, the work features a somber and contemplative atmosphere. The foreground's emotional intensity contrasts with the serene, detailed background landscape of rolling hills, trees, and buildings.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1475, the painting's history prior to its current residence at the Ashmolean Museum is not detailed in the provided sources.
Context
Pietà reflects the religious themes common in 15th-century European art, particularly in the depiction of lamentation scenes inspired by Christian narratives.
Legacy
While specific influences or notable impacts of this Pietà on subsequent art are not highlighted in the provided information, it remains a representative example of its time and the artist's oeuvre.
Artist & collection
