The Entombment

The Entombment by Andrea Mantegna, created between 1465 and 1475, is a seminal example of Renaissance printmaking. Executed as an engraving on laid paper, this work showcases the dramatic precision Mantegna achieved in the demanding medium of intaglio printmaking. Dating from the period of 1401 to 1500, this piece reflects the burgeoning interest in classical forms and expressive narrative that defined the Early Italian Renaissance. Mantegna, renowned primarily for his painting in Padua and Mantua, exerted substantial influence on printmaking across Europe, employing the burin to create sharp, sculptural lines that mimic the texture and depth found in painting.

The subject of the Entombment of Christ is rendered with Mantegna’s characteristic psychological intensity and focus on dramatic staging. The composition emphasizes the physical reality and overwhelming grief of the mourners surrounding Christ’s body before its placement in the tomb. This particular engraving is often studied for its masterful use of cross-hatching to define volume and atmosphere, providing a powerful emotional impact despite the inherent monochrome palette. Mantegna's sophisticated technical approach established a high standard for subsequent graphic artists in the region.

Unlike unique paintings, this classification of prints allowed the stylistic innovation of the great masters, such as Mantegna, to be widely disseminated, spreading the influence of the Italian Renaissance far beyond its geographic center. As an important example of Italian art from this foundational era, the work demonstrates the power and technical refinement of printmaking in the 15th century. This highly influential piece resides in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art.