Procession of the Dead Christ 1946

Alberto Burri made this haunting painting, Procession of the Dead Christ, with oil paints and a brush. The material itself exerts a powerful influence here. Burri has applied the oil paint with visible brushstrokes, creating a thick, impasto surface that adds texture and depth to the somber scene. The darkness of the pigment becomes almost palpable, reflecting the weighty subject of death and mourning. Consider the labor involved in creating such a work. Each brushstroke represents a deliberate act of applying material to the canvas, slowly building up the image. This contrasts with the mass-produced objects of consumer culture. Burri’s engagement with traditional art materials and processes elevates the act of creation to a form of devotion. Ultimately, this painting reminds us that the true power of art lies not only in its subject matter but in the way it is made, and how it is received.