Artwork
The Lamentation of the Virgin
The Lamentation of the Virgin is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Marcantonio Raimondi. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1510, this copper engraving presents a solemn scene in which a woman in a flowing robe leans over a supine figure, clasping his hand while gazing downward. A modest town rises on a hill behind them, framed by trees and a cloud‑filled sky, establishing a quiet, narrative setting.
Subject & Meaning
The composition portrays the Virgin Mary mourning the dead Christ, her serene expression contrasting with the lifeless posture of the body beneath her. The juxtaposition of calmness and loss underscores the theological theme of sorrow tempered by faith.
Technique & Style
Executed with fine, closely spaced lines, the engraving achieves delicate shading and texture, particularly evident in the drapery’s folds and the atmospheric background. The handling of line reflects the refined aesthetic associated with High Renaissance designs, emphasizing clarity and balanced composition.
History & Provenance
The work is attributed to Marcantonio Raimondi, an Italian printmaker active at the turn of the 16th century. Raimondi was known for translating the designs of leading painters into prints, notably collaborating with Raphael, and for spreading that visual language throughout Europe.
Context
Raimondi’s prints functioned as reproductions of celebrated paintings, making high artistic concepts accessible beyond the original frescoes or panels. This engraving exemplifies his role in disseminating the compositional ideals of the High Renaissance to a broader audience.
Artist & collection
Artist
Marcantonio Raimondi, often called simply Marcantonio (c. 1470/82 – c. 1534), was an Italian engraver, known for being the first important printmaker whose body of work consists largely of prints copying paintings. He…
