The Entombment of Christ 1525 - 1535

Battista Franco created this engraving, “The Entombment of Christ,” during the High Renaissance when there was a renewed interest in classical antiquity. The print depicts the body of Christ being carried to his tomb, flanked by mourners overcome with grief. Franco masterfully uses line and form to convey the weight of the moment and its emotional intensity. The figures, with their sorrowful expressions, are drawn with a realism that invites empathy. The skull positioned in the upper right serves as a stark memento mori, reminding us of death’s inevitability. Franco situates this biblical scene within the humanist context of his time, reflecting the era's focus on human experience and emotion. The composition emphasizes the communal aspect of grief, highlighting the bonds of love and loyalty in the face of death. “The Entombment of Christ” is not only a religious statement, but also a meditation on human mortality and the importance of compassion.