Art Analysis #2

The Entombment of Christ, Caravaggio, 1603–1604

Installation View

Caravaggio’s Entombment is an altarpiece painted in 1603–04 with oil paint on canvas. Perspective is used on ground slab so it seems to butt out into the viewer’s space. The viewer then seems to be standing in the grave receiving the lowered body of christ. This can be traced to the idea that when someone receives christ, they are saved. Another religious idea that is present within this composition is descending to hell and ascending to heaven. When christ was crucified, he was buried and descended to hell for three days in order to save those who would otherwise go to hell. In this painting, christ’s hand touches the earth, which is associated with hell, whereas a figure in the back raises her hands to the sky, which is associated with heaven.

Figure raises their hands towards the sky (left) while christ touches the ground with his hand (right)

The background of this painting is almost entirely black except for a plant and some stones in the foreground. The lack of background puts the focus on the figures and also lends to a curiosity of what else is out there.

Figure looks up with mouth open

Figure looks down

Finally, the figures themselves have very odd facial expressions. All of the figures look bored or annoyed rather than truly mournful. This could be because he used live models rather than composing them from study. Holding an exaggerated facial expression for a long time can become tiresome.