The Entombment

The Entombment by the Workshop of Andrea Mantegna Italian, 1431-1506, is a profound example of Renaissance graphic arts, executed as an engraving in black on cream laid paper between 1465 and 1475. Produced in Northern Italy, this detailed print reflects the technical precision and classical aspirations of Mantegna’s highly influential studio. The choice of engraving allowed the workshop to disseminate their signature style, characterized by monumental figures and meticulous attention to classical antiquity, more broadly than was possible through painting or fresco.

The subject matter depicts the sorrowful moment immediately following the Crucifixion, as Christ’s body is prepared for burial. The composition is likely focused on the emotional intensity of the mourners, including the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist. The precise line work and careful hatching used in this print successfully translate the illusion of sculptural form and deep space, reinforcing the dramatic impact of the scene. This approach reflects the period's growing interest in defining human form and perspective with scientific rigor, placing the work squarely within the aesthetic achievements of the Italian Renaissance.

As a significant example of 15th-century prints, the survival of quality impressions like this one provides invaluable insight into the period’s graphic production and distribution network. This particular impression of The Entombment is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a critical document of artistic innovation. The work's historical importance often leads to its inclusion in public domain initiatives, allowing scholars and art enthusiasts worldwide access to these masterworks of early printmaking.