PONTORMO, Jacopo
(b. 1494, Pontormo, d. 1557, Firenze)

Deposition (detail)

c. 1528
Oil on wood
Cappella Capponi, Santa Felicità, Florence

Pontormo's figure of Christ may be compared to Michelangelo's marble figure of Christ in his Pietà in St Peter's. Although Pontormo tends to de-emphasize the sculptural qualities of his figures, he was nonetheless an ardent admirer and friend of Michelangelo. The painting demonstrates Pontormo's power as a draftsman, particularly in his treatment of forms: the contours, as well as the hands and features facial, are impeccably rendered.