Dead Christ, Andrea Mantegna, 1490

Description of the picture:

Dead Christ – Andrea Mantegna. 1490. Tempera on canvas. 68×81
The saddest story of the gospel is presented by the creator simply and simply. Before the viewer is the dead, once full body of the Son of God, over which the grieving ladies bowed. The picture is devoid of any pathos, exaggerated feelings. The canonical nature of the plot is emphasized by bloodless wounds on the hands and feet of Jesus, a stone bed, swaddling clothes and a vessel for oil.

The creator especially uses the laws of perspective, deliberately violating the traditional principles of the organization of space. The viewer’s attention is drawn to the head and face of the dead Christ. Facial features, large, courageous still bear traces of terrible suffering and tension. But a head turn speaks more of sound sleep than of death. By this detail alone, the author hints at the imminent resurrection and triumph of the Savior.

Master stingy on paints and bright colors. His skill is manifested in the ability to create a subtle, emotional atmosphere with avaricious means. The folds of the blankets are drawn with great skill. Folds create a special rhythmic sound. They have a certain anticipation of the movement, another hint of an impending miracle.

The general mood of the picture is the hope for the triumph of God’s Will. The combination of soft, muted colors makes the work unusually expressive and deep. The lines are accurate, the play of light and shadow deserves special attention."

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