The Entombment c. 16th century

Editor: Altdorfer's "The Entombment," a small woodcut, feels so heavy, somber, despite its size. I'm struck by the emotional weight conveyed through the dense lines and the figures huddled around the body. What symbols or deeper meanings do you see embedded here? Curator: Notice how Altdorfer uses the weeping vegetation hanging above. Consider the cave's imagery; are these references to the womb, a symbolic return to the earth? Also, observe the intense grief depicted on the faces of those present. Does this humanization soften or amplify the intended impact of the scene? Editor: That's fascinating, I hadn't considered the womb imagery. I see how the artist used natural symbols to amplify the emotional impact of the scene. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. Art often layers meaning, inviting us to consider not just what we see, but what we feel and remember.