The Entombment of Christ is a painting that was created by Caravaggio during the Baroque period in 1603-1604. Girolamo Vittrice commissioned the oil on canvas for the main altar of his family chapel in the Roman church of Santa Maria in Vallicella. Considered one of Caravaggio’s most monumental and admired altarpieces, it features dramatic use of lighting and emotional and physical elements.
The painting depicts the entombment or burial of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion. It showcases a group of mourning individuals who are carrying Jesus Christ’s lifeless body to his tomb. The use of light illuminates both the face and spinal cord as well as intensifies emotions conveyed through twisted faces, clenched fists, and bleak expressions.
Caravaggio’s Entombment is an altarpiece that lowers the body into space showing depth-perception so that it appears as though viewers are looking down into the tomb rather than at its surface. The significant size reinforces its magnificence while its emotional impact evokes deep thought from those who gaze upon it; this aspect has made it one of the world’s greatest masterpieces for centuries.
