Artwork
The Passion: The Burial of Christ
The Passion: The Burial of Christ is a print by the Renaissance artist Lucas van Leyden. It dates from 1521 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
The painting shows a burial scene with people gathered around Christ.
This scene is interesting because it's a common theme in art, but the details are unique. The people in the scene are dressed in clothes from the Netherlands in the 16th century, which gives us a glimpse into what life was like back then.
You can learn more about this style by looking into the technique of chiaroscuro.
Overview
The Burial of Christ, a 1521 print by Dutch artist Lucas van Leyden, depicts a pivotal moment in Christian iconography. Held in The Cleveland Museum of Art, this religious work showcases van Leyden's proficiency in both painting and printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The print illustrates the burial of Christ, a common theme in religious art, with a distinctive twist: the mourners are attired in 16th-century Netherlands clothing, blending biblical narrative with contemporary Dutch life.
Technique & Style
Van Leyden's use of chiaroscuro, a strong contrast between light and dark, adds depth and emotional intensity to the scene, characteristic of his innovative approach to printmaking and painting.
History & Provenance
Created in 1521, the work is part of van Leyden's early contributions to both genre painting and the development of printmaking techniques in the Netherlands. Its current location is The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Lucas van Leyden (1494 – 8 August 1533), was a Dutch painter and printmaker in engraving and woodcut. Lucas van Leyden was among the first Dutch exponents of genre painting and was a very accomplished engraver.
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Inner left wing of a diptych with Christ as the Man of Sorrows
Inner right wing of a diptych with the Virgin as Mater Dolorosa
Annunciation
