The Entombment 1617 - 1627

Giovanni Temini created this print, "The Entombment," sometime in the 17th century. The scene is composed within an arched frame, focusing on a cluster of figures surrounding the body of Christ, their forms rendered with meticulous detail through a dense network of etched lines. This intricate linework creates a rich play of light and shadow, evoking a mood of somber reflection. Temini uses the formal structure of the composition to draw us into the emotional heart of the scene. The careful arrangement of figures, the use of light to highlight key elements, and the overall design invites contemplation on themes of mortality and mourning. The figures are frozen in grief and their arrangement produces a semiotic system of signs that allow the viewer to interpret emotions. The artist challenges the viewer to consider the broader implications of Christ’s death. This is a work that uses the structure of the image to promote reflection and conversation.