Artwork
The Entombment
The Entombment is a print by Jean Louis Charles Pauquet. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Entombment is a print on paper, created in 1850 as a reproduction of Andrea del Sarto’s original work, with Jean Louis Charles Pauquet initiating and Forster completing the project.
Subject & Meaning
The French title *Le Christ au Tombeau* (Christ in the Tomb) suggests a Christian narrative, specifically the entombment of Christ.
Depicting a burial scene, the print shows six figures around a draped, recumbent body. The composition includes two standing men (one gesturing upwards) and three women (one in a hooded cloak touching the body’s hand), set against a backdrop of rocky hills and distant architecture. The French title *Le Christ au Tombeau* (Christ in the Tomb) suggests a Christian narrative, specifically the entombment of Christ.
Technique & Style
The print utilizes chiaroscuro, a strong contrast between light and dark, to achieve depth in the figures. This technique creates dimensional shading, with pronounced differences between illuminated and shadowed areas.
History & Provenance
Originally conceived by Andrea del Sarto, the print was started by Jean Louis Charles Pauquet and finished by Forster in 1850, reflecting a collaborative and successive creative process.
Context
As a 19th-century reproduction of a Renaissance work, *The Entombment* bridges two artistic eras, adapting del Sarto’s style to the printmaking capabilities of the time.
Legacy
While specific impact or notable exhibitions of this particular print are not highlighted in available information, it contributes to the broader legacy of del Sarto’s works being disseminated through 19th-century print technology.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean Louis Charles Pauquet made religious prints in the late 1700s to early 1800s.
