The Entombment of Christ

The Entombment of Christ is a profound example of Renaissance graphic art, created by Andrea Mantegna around 1475. This important work is classified as a print, utilizing the demanding techniques of engraving and drypoint. This particular impression is designated as the second state of two, illustrating the meticulous development of the master printmaker’s vision. Mantegna was among the first major Italian Renaissance artists to fully utilize the potential of copperplate prints as a means of circulating his compositions and establishing his artistic reputation outside his immediate circle.

The subject centers on the solemn moment immediately following the Deposition, depicting the somber Entombment scene. The composition is characterized by intense emotional tension and grief, capturing the profound sadness of the mourners gathered around the deceased Christ. Among the distraught figures are the Virgin Mary and several supporting men, whose expressions convey deep despair as they prepare the body for burial. Mantegna’s mastery of the medium is evident in his use of sharp, parallel lines to create dramatic shadows and emphasize the corporeality of the figures, set against the harsh reality of the rocky tomb setting.

This exceptional print reflects the artist’s commitment to classical monumentality fused with raw, human feeling—a stylistic approach that defines his late period. Today, this key masterwork of early Italian Renaissance prints, often titled The Entombment of Christ, is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serving as a vital record of Mantegna's transformative contribution to the history of printmaking.