The Entombment 1746 - 1755

This is an oil painting called 'The Entombment' by an anonymous artist. Paintings such as this one were produced across Europe and were generally commissioned by religious institutions, like churches and monasteries, but also wealthy families to decorate their private chapels. The subject, Christ’s entombment, is a key event in the Easter story. The figures express grief, thereby encouraging the viewer to identify with their suffering. But the painting also suggests hope of resurrection. The cultural references are biblical and informed by the teachings of the Catholic Church. This painting may be from Italy, where similar works flourished. In order to understand the conditions of its production, we need to know more about patronage in the region where it was made. Records of commissions can be found in church archives. Through such research, we can learn more about the public role of art in its specific time and place.