Artwork

Christ Carried to the Tomb

Christ Carried to the Tomb, by Jacopo Palma il Giovane, chalk, 1614
Christ Carried to the Tomb, by Jacopo Palma il Giovane, chalk, 1614

Christ Carried to the Tomb is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Jacopo Palma il Giovane. It dates from 1614 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The painting shows a group of people carrying Christ's body to a tomb.
It's a somber scene with dark colors.
This work is interesting because it was created over a period of time, from 1607 to 1620.
The artist likely revised it during that time.
To learn more about the use of dark and light contrasts in this painting, look up the technique: chiaroscuro.

Overview

Christ Carried to the Tomb is a religious drawing by Jacopo Palma il Giovane, executed in brush and oil paints over black chalk on tan oatmeal paper, later mounted (possibly in the 18th century). The work depicts a group transporting Christ's body to a tomb, rendered in somber tones.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing illustrates a pivotal moment in Christian iconography, conveying the solemnity and gravity of the event through its composition and color palette. The somber atmosphere reflects the emotional weight of the scene.

Technique & Style

Palma il Giovane employed chiaroscuro, juxtaposing dark and light to create depth and emphasize the central figures. The use of black chalk under oil paints adds texture, while the predominantly dark colors maintain the somber mood.

History & Provenance

Created between 1607 and 1620, the drawing underwent revisions during this period, indicating the artist's iterative process. The mount, possibly from the 18th century, suggests later handling or preservation efforts.

Context

This work reflects the Baroque emphasis on emotional intensity and dramatic lighting, characteristic of 17th-century religious art. The prolonged creation period may also hint at the artist's engagement with evolving stylistic trends.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.