After Massimo Stanzione, 'Monks and Holy Women mourning over the Dead Christ', 18th century or earlier
Full title | Monks and Holy Women mourning over the Dead Christ |
---|---|
Artist | After Massimo Stanzione |
Artist dates | about 1585? - 1656 |
Date made | 18th century or earlier |
Medium and support | oil on slate |
Dimensions | 43.7 × 52.4 cm |
Acquisition credit | Bought, 1919 |
Inventory number | NG3401 |
Location | Not on display |
Collection | Main Collection |
Christ’s body has been taken down from the Cross and lies on the white shroud in which he will be placed in the tomb. Behind him is the Virgin Mary, eyes raised to heaven in grief, and alongside her Saint John the Evangelist, mopping his eyes with a handkerchief, and a second woman, probably Mary Magdalene. In the foreground, bending down to kiss Christ’s hands and feet, are two Carthusian monks, dressed in the white robes of their religious order.
This is a much-reduced copy of a large altarpiece painted for the Carthusian monastery in Naples by Massimo Stanzione, one of the leading Neapolitan painters of the seventeenth century. From 1630 Stanzione was almost constantly involved in large-scale church commissions in Naples, and he executed a number of works for the Carthusian monks in the church of the Certosa di San Martino; some of which, including the original of this composition, are still in situ. This copy may date from the eighteenth century and is unusual for being painted on slate.
The lifeless body of Christ has been taken down from the Cross and lies on a white sheet – the shroud with which he will be wrapped and placed in the tomb. Behind him is the Virgin Mary, eyes raised to heaven in grief, and alongside her Saint John the Evangelist, mopping his eyes with a handkerchief, and a second woman, probably Mary Magdalene. In the foreground, bending down to kiss Christ’s hands and feet, are two monks in the white robes of the Carthusian Order.
This is a much-reduced copy of a large altarpiece painted for the Carthusian monastery in Naples by Massimo Stanzione, one of the leading painters in Naples in the seventeenth century. Though he was a great rival of Jusepe Ribera, Stanzione frequently collaborated on commissions with other artists working in Naples, including Artemisia Gentileschi. Stanzione’s rich colour and naturalism greatly influenced Neapolitan artists such as Bernardino Cavallino. From 1630 Stanzione was almost constantly involved in large-scale church commissions in Naples. He executed a number of works for the Carthusian monks in the church of the Certosa di San Martino in Naples; some of which, including the original of this composition, are still in situ.
This copy may date from the eighteenth century and is unusual for being painted on slate, a support whose smooth surface and dark grey colour not only evokes the gloom in which the scene is set, but also perfectly enhances the three-dimensionality of the figures that are the subject of this picture.
Download a low-resolution copy of this image for personal use.
License and download a high-resolution image for reproductions up to A3 size from the National Gallery Picture Library.
License imageThis image is licensed for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons agreement.
Examples of non-commercial use are:
- Research, private study, or for internal circulation within an educational organisation (such as a school, college or university)
- Non-profit publications, personal websites, blogs, and social media
The image file is 800 pixels on the longest side.
As a charity, we depend upon the generosity of individuals to ensure the collection continues to engage and inspire. Help keep us free by making a donation today.
You must agree to the Creative Commons terms and conditions to download this image.