The Resurrection 

Andrea Mantegna painted 'The Resurrection' in the late 15th century using tempera on wood. The rigid, upright figure of Christ is emphasized by the stark angles of the tomb and rock formation. His figure is bathed in light, creating a strong contrast with the earthy tones of the landscape and the sleeping soldiers below. The artist uses sharp lines and meticulous detail to define every contour, giving the scene a sculptural quality. Mantegna's interest in classical antiquity is evident in the composition, with a measured order and geometric simplicity reminiscent of ancient reliefs. We might ask, does the scene's formal structure serve to reinforce the idea of resurrection as a moment of rupture and transformation? The artist’s arrangement of the elements – the sharp angles, the light – suggests a break from the earthly to the divine. Ultimately, Mantegna presents a moment of profound spiritual significance. The clarity of form and composition invites us to contemplate the deeper meaning of resurrection within its historical and philosophical contexts.