Bewening 1511 - 1534

"Bewening" (1511-1534), a detailed engraving by Marcantonio Raimondi, depicts the lamentation of Christ after his crucifixion. This poignant scene showcases the sorrowful figures surrounding Christ, including Mary Magdalene and other grieving women, as they mourn the loss of their savior. Raimondi's masterful technique conveys a sense of depth and emotion through his use of hatching and cross-hatching, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the intricate details of the figures' garments and expressions. The composition, balanced yet dynamic, draws the viewer's gaze towards Christ's wounded body, emphasized by the prominent display of the instruments of his suffering, the crown of thorns and nails. The print, a testament to Raimondi's skill and the enduring power of the Lamentation theme, offers a moving reflection on the ultimate sacrifice of Christ and the profound grief it evokes.