On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P02637
- Author
- Cano, Alonso (Spanish)
- Title
- The Dead Christ Held by an Angel
- Chronology
- 1646-1652
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 137 cm x 100 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- LEGADO
- Procedence
- Legacy of Pablo Bosch y Barrau, 1916
The dead body of Christ is barely
held up by the efforts of an angel,
who turns his imploring gaze
heavenward. This is a story
profoundly rooted in Western art
since the Renaissance and
transmitted by Italian
artists.
It was probably painted by Cano and
was certainly inspired by certain
prints related to Michelangelo. The
painter takes on a composition that
reveals his taste for contention,
moderation and balance in one of
his favorite subjects: the nude.
This allows him to reflect upon the
classical ideal of beauty and the
canon of proportions.
For Cano, the white body of Christ
is an ideal way of exploring human
anatomy as a means of expression,
especially when contrasted with a
dark background. With this
darkness, he also creates a sense
of calm and mystery appropriate for
a meditation on the death of
Christ, making this an example of
his finest devotional
painting.
There are other similar versions
with the same subject, one of which
is also in the Prado Museum (P629).
Location on the map
