| Lamentation over the Dead Christ | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Artist | Sandro Botticelli |
| Year | c. 1490–1495 |
| Medium | Tempera on panel |
| Dimensions | 107 cm × 71 cm (42 in × 28 in) |
| Location | Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Milan |
TheLamentation over the Dead Christ with Saints is a painting of theLamentation of Christ by the Italian Renaissance artistSandro Botticelli, dated between 1490 and 1495. The painting was originally kept inSanta Maria Maggiore, Florence.[1] It is now in theMuseo Poldi Pezzoli ofMilan. The painting is one of two versions ofThe Lamentation by Botticelli. The other, circa 1492, is now in theAlte Pinakothek inMunich.
The painting depictsthe Lamentation (expression of great sorrow or deep sadness)[2] overChrist’s death. TheVirgin Mary sits vertically with the deadChrist on her lap, his body appearing extremely small. The positioning of the two bodies creates thePieta, which means pity in Italian and is a representation of The Virgin Mary mourning dead Christ.[3] TheThree Maries are circling the inner group expressing despair.Mary Magdalene is positioned at the feet of Christ in turmoil. Saint John sits above The Virgin Mary and cradles her head in an attempt to soothe her.Joseph of Arimathea stands above the group holding thecrown of thorns andthree nails. Botticelli paints the figures in contorted and distorted poses. He does not apply the rules ofnaturalism to the painting. Instead, he focuses on his own personal preference of geometry.[4] This very style of geometry had an influence on third generation renaissance painters to come.
Sandro Botticelli was a second generation Renaissance painter born Allesandro di Mariano Filipepi in 1445. His nickname was Botticelli meaning little barrel.[5] The Renaissance began in fourteenth-century Italy. Dramatic changes in art, architecture, and sculpture took place during this time. Botticelli has been noted as one of the most powerful painters of the lyrical current.[6] In his later works, Botticelli developed a more personal style, particularly in his religious themed art. He is believed to have been influenced byGirolamo Savonarola.[7] His range of work included religious pieces, mythical themes, portraits, andaltarpieces. Additional famous works by Botticelli includeBirth of Venus,Primavera, andThe Mystical Nativity.
 | This article about a fifteenth-century painting is astub. You can help Wikipedia byadding missing information. |
