The Dead Christ in the Tomb with Two Angels

Abraham Janssen van Nuyssen

Created:
Movement:
1615
Baroque
key Notes:
Baroque realism, somber reverence
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Dimensions:
45 3/8 x 58 in. (115.3 x 147.3 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"The Dead Christ in the Tomb with Two Angels" is a painting attributed to Abraham Janssen van Nuyssen, created around 1610. Janssen was a Flemish painter known for his religious subjects and still lifes. The work depicts the body of Christ laid in a tomb, flanked by two angels, emphasizing themes of mourning and resurrection. The composition reflects the influence of Caravaggio's use of chiaroscuro and dramatic lighting. The painting is characterized by its emotional intensity and attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of Christ's body. The exact provenance of the painting is unknown, and it is currently housed in a private collection or museum, though specific details about its exhibition history are not documented. The work exemplifies the Baroque style prevalent in the early 17th century, focusing on the interplay of light and shadow to enhance the narrative.

Description of the work:

"The Dead Christ in the Tomb with Two Angels" by Abraham Janssen van Nuyssen, created circa 1610, is an oil on canvas painting that depicts the lifeless body of Christ laid in a tomb. The composition is characterized by a dramatic use of chiaroscuro, which enhances the emotional gravity of the scene. Christ's body is rendered with meticulous attention to anatomical detail, emphasizing the realism of his form. Two angels are positioned at either side of the tomb, their expressions conveying a sense of mourning and reverence. The color palette is dominated by deep, somber tones, with highlights that draw attention to the figures' faces and the drapery of their garments. The background is dark and indistinct, focusing the viewer's attention on the central figures. The overall atmosphere is one of solemnity and contemplation, reflecting the themes of death and resurrection inherent in the subject matter. The painting exemplifies the Baroque style through its emotional intensity and dramatic lighting.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Dead Christ in the Tomb with Two Angels