Artwork
The Deposition
The Deposition is an oil painting by the High Renaissance artist Raphael. It dates from 1507 and is held in the collection of the Galleria Borghese.
About this work
This is a big wooden panel painting of Christ’s body being lowered from the cross. Raphael painted it around 1507 for a family in Perugia. The work sits in Rome’s Galleria Borghese today.
It’s one of three scenes the family asked for after a violent feud took their son’s life. You’ll see Christ’s body handled gently by friends, a quiet moment full of care.
Look up chiaroscuro next.
Overview
The Deposition is a large oil-on-panel painting created by Raphael around 1507. It measures 184 x 176 cm and is now housed in Rome's Galleria Borghese.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the lowering of Christ's body from the cross, blending elements of the Deposition, Lamentation, and Entombment. It was commissioned by Atalanta Baglioni in memory of her son Grifonetto, who died in a family feud, and conveys a poignant moment of gentle care.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil paint on wood panel, the work showcases Raphael's skill in chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts of light and dark to convey emotion and depth.
History & Provenance
Originally the central panel of a larger altarpiece, the painting was signed and dated 'Raphael. Urbinas. MDVII' by the artist. It was commissioned for the Baglioni family in Perugia and later came to be housed in the Galleria Borghese in Rome.
Own this work as a print
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.
