The Deposition of Christ 1570 - 1580

Here we see Benetto Stefani's engraving, "The Deposition of Christ." The composition is dominated by a stark contrast between the chaotic activity surrounding the cross and the somber grief of those below. Stefani uses dense, interwoven lines to create texture and shadow, particularly noticeable in the rendering of the figures' drapery and the rugged landscape. The cross looms large, its rough-hewn texture contrasting with the smoother bodies of Christ and his attendants. The ladder, an architectural structure, slices diagonally across the scene, destabilizing the traditional vertical orientation of the crucifixion narrative. This disruption challenges the established iconography, inviting us to reconsider the emotional and physical weight of this moment. Consider how Stefani's use of line and shadow not only defines form but also contributes to the overall emotional intensity. The stark contrast evokes a sense of drama and immediacy, inviting the viewer to contemplate themes of loss, sacrifice, and the instability of meaning.