Artwork
Lamentation of Christ
Lamentation of Christ is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Stradanus. It dates from 1564 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Lamentation of Christ is a 1564 oil painting by Johannes Stradanus, a Flemish artist active in Florence. The work is held in the Alte Pinakothek.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the mourning of Christ's body after the Crucifixion. A group of figures surrounds the deceased Christ, with a woman kneeling beside him, touching his face. The scene is set against a dark background, emphasizing the emotional intensity of the moment.
Technique & Style
Stradanus employed chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts between light and dark to highlight the figures, particularly Christ's body. This technique, characteristic of Mannerist style, creates a dramatic effect, drawing the viewer's attention to the central figure.
History & Provenance
Stradanus was a versatile artist, producing works in various media, including easel paintings, frescoes, and tapestry designs. Lamentation of Christ is one example of his output in oil paint.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johannes Stradanus (Dutch Jan van der Straet or Italian Giovanni Stradano; 1523 – 2 November 1605) was a Flemish artist active mainly in 16th-century Florence, Italy.
