Artwork
Resurrection of Christ
Resurrection of Christ is an oil painting by the High Renaissance artist Raphael. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the São Paulo Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Resurrection of Christ is an oil painting on wood created by Raphael between 1499 and 1502. It is one of the artist's earliest known works and is now held in the São Paulo Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Christ standing on a stone slab, surrounded by angels, with Roman soldiers reacting in alarm below. A serene landscape with rolling hills and a body of water is visible in the background. The scene represents the Resurrection of Christ, a pivotal event in Christian theology.
Technique & Style
The composition is characterized by a complex ideal geometry, creating a dynamic rhythm among the figures. The use of chiaroscuro adds depth and drama to the scene. Raphael's style in this work shows the influence of Pinturicchio and Melozzo da Forlì, as well as his awareness of the Florentine artistic milieu.
History & Provenance
The painting was first identified by Wilhelm Bode in 1880 at Rossie Priory, the home of Arthur Kinnaird, 10th Lord Kinnaird. It is believed to be a piece of an unknown predella, possibly part of the Baronci Altarpiece, Raphael's first recorded commission, which was damaged by an earthquake in 1789.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Raphael was born Raffaello Sanzio in Urbino on April 6, 1483, the son of Giovanni Santi, a painter and poet attached to the ducal court.
