La sepoltura di Cristo (1595)

Carracci, Annibale (1560-1609)

La sepoltura di Cristo (The Burial of Christ)
1595
Oil on copper, 43.8 x 34.9 cm
Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York

This deeply moving picture was painted for one of Carracci’s patrons, Astorre di Vincenzo Sampieri, a canon of the cathedral of San Pietro in Bologna. Intended as a gift for an important figure in Rome, it was retained by Sampieri, who sent a copy of it by Guido Reni instead. We view the dramatic event from within the burial chamber, the figures lit by torch; through an opening the holy women can be seen against a dawn-lit landscape. The picture was much admired. At least seven copies are known in addition to the one Sampieri sent to Rome. (MET)