“Dead Christ Supported by Angels” is a religious painting created by the esteemed artist Giovanni Bellini around the year 1474. This Early Renaissance masterpiece, rendered with tempera on panel, measures 91 by 131 centimeters. The artwork is housed at the Museo della città di Rimini in Rimini, Italy, and is notable for its profound religious symbolism.
The artwork presents a poignant scene wherein the lifeless body of Christ is tenderly supported by three angels. The central figure, Christ, is depicted with closed eyes and a serene expression, crowned with thorns and bearing wounds, symbolizing his crucifixion. His torso, highlighted by the subtle use of chiaroscuro, embodies a sense of both suffering and tranquility. The angels, adorned with simple garments and delicate wings, exhibit expressions of grief and reverence as they gently hold Christ, emphasizing his sanctity. The background is stark and dark, directing the viewer’s focus entirely upon the figures, encapsulating the viewer in the solemnity and reverence of the moment. Giovanni Bellini’s craftsmanship is evident in the detailed representation and the emotional depth conveyed through the composition and the figures’ poses and expressions.
