BASSANO, Francesco
(b. 1549, Bassano, d. 1592, Venezia)

The Lamentation of Christ

1582-85
Oil on slate, 19 x 21 cm
Private collection

This nocturnal depiction of The Lamentation of Christ is an example of the paintings on 'pietra nera' (slate) by Francesco Bassano. Night scenes such as the present work aroused considerable interest in Venice and contributed significantly to the increased regard for Francesco's work. His night pictures were made between the late 1570s and 1585. The story of Christ's Passion - and specifically the Lamentation - were subjects that particularly lent themselves to a nocturnal setting.

The present composition is known in a number of versions and variants by Jacopo Bassano and his sons.




© Web Gallery of Art, created by Emil Krén and Daniel Marx.