Master Apollon House Gallery

Briefing on Caravaggio’s The Entombment of Christ

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Main Themes

Realism and Naturalism

Caravaggio breaks away from the idealized forms of the High Renaissance, embracing a naturalistic approach that emphasizes physicality and raw emotion. The figures in The Entombment of Christ are portrayed as real individuals, with imperfections and palpable expressions of pain. The muscular, veined body of Christ stands in stark contrast to the more ethereal representations common in the art of the time.

“The entire nude is represented with the power of the most precise imitation.” – Giovanni Pietro Bellori, 1672.

Grief and Spirituality

The painting captures a poignant moment of grief, focusing on the human suffering in the face of Christ’s death. The expressions of the characters, ranging from the contained hysteria of Mary of Clopas to the deep sorrow of Mary Magdalene, reflect the emotional weight of the scene.

“The painting is a descent from despair, from hysteria to death as the final emotional silence.” – Wikipedia

Religious Iconography

The Entombment of Christ is more than just a depiction of Christ’s burial. The work invites reflection on the doctrine of the Eucharist, particularly through the juxtaposition of Christ’s body and the consecrated host used during Mass. The inclusion of the mullein plant reinforces the religious iconography, symbolizing protection from evil and referencing Saint John the Baptist.

“The painting is a visual pendant to the Mass.” – Wikipedia

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Key Facts

History of the Commission

The work was commissioned by Girolamo Vittrice, a patron connected to Caravaggio both artistically and through family ties. The Pietà Chapel, funded by the Vittrice family, had a special status within the church, allowing for Mass celebrations and granting indulgences.

Artistic Influences

Caravaggio drew inspiration from masters like Michelangelo and Raphael, especially for the pyramidal composition and the posture of the figures. A comparison with Raphael’s The Deposition of Christ highlights the contrast between the idealism of the High Renaissance and Caravaggio’s naturalism.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its creation, The Entombment of Christ was praised by art critics and influenced numerous artists, from Rubens to Cézanne. The painting remains one of Caravaggio’s most admired works, demonstrating his mastery of chiaroscuro, his ability to capture human emotion, and his revolutionary approach to religious painting.

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Conclusion

Caravaggio’s The Entombment of Christ is a masterpiece of Italian Baroque art, combining striking realism, profound spirituality, and technical virtuosity. The painting continues to fascinate and inspire, inviting deep contemplation on the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection.