Christ taking Leave of His Mother (c. 1512) by Correggio

Christ taking Leave of His Mother - Correggio - c. 1512

Artwork Information

TitleChrist taking Leave of His Mother
ArtistCorreggio
Datec. 1512
MediumOil on Canvas
Dimensions86.7 x 76.5 cm
Art MovementMannerism (Late Renaissance)
Current LocationNational Gallery, London

About Christ taking Leave of His Mother

The artwork “Christ taking Leave of His Mother” is a religious painting by the artist Correggio, dating back to circa 1512. It is an oil on canvas piece that measures 86.7 x 76.5 cm. The painting is associated with the Mannerism movement, particularly within the context of the Late Renaissance. Currently, it is housed at the National Gallery in London.

The artwork depicts a moment of emotional farewell between Christ and His Mother. It is filled with a sense of tender melancholy that is accentuated by the figures’ gestures and expressions. Christ is seen kneeling, demonstrating a sense of humility and sorrow, as His mother, presumably the Virgin Mary, is portrayed in a state of evident distress. She is supported by another figure, which could represent Saint John or one of the other apostles, who subtly gestures towards Christ, perhaps in an attempt to console her. Another onlooker’s presence adds depth to the scene, contributing to the narrative.

The setting is characterized by architectural elements that provide a sense of space and depth, leading the eye to the landscape in the background, which offers a sense of the world beyond this intimate encounter. The serenity of the landscape contrasts with the emotional intensity of the scene in the foreground.

Correggio has employed a delicate use of light and shadow to enhance the three-dimensionality of the figures and to highlight the emotional gravity of the scene. The colors are rich yet subdued, contributing to the overall somber tone of the artwork. The composition, the choice of colors, and the rendering of the figures’ garments and the landscape all reflect the characteristics of the Mannerism movement and the Late Renaissance period’s evolving aesthetic preferences.

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