Christ being laid into the sepulcher as the Virgin stands weeping behind 1600 - 1630

Pasquale Ottino created this engraving, "Christ being laid into the sepulcher as the Virgin stands weeping behind," in the early 17th century. Consider the cultural weight of religious imagery during the Counter-Reformation, a period defined by the Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation. Here, Ottino presents us with a scene laden with sorrow. We see Christ's lifeless body being prepared for burial, surrounded by mourners. But it’s the figure of the Virgin Mary that captures our attention. Positioned behind the sepulcher, she weeps, her grief palpable and raw. This image reflects not just religious doctrine but the emotional landscape of the time. Mary's sorrow becomes a focal point, inviting viewers to contemplate the human dimensions of faith and grief. Ottino uses the print to create a space for empathy and reflection, highlighting the profound sense of loss and mourning that resonates across social and religious divides.