Graflegging 1530 - 1583

This is Martino Rota's engraving, "Graflegging," made around the 16th century. Here, we see how Rota uses line and shadow to create a somber tableau around the body of Christ. The composition is organized around a horizontal axis formed by Christ's body, contrasting the vertical figures surrounding him. This creates a dynamic between the static form of death and the vibrant expressions of grief. The varying textures, achieved through detailed cross-hatching, not only add depth but also convey a sense of emotional weight. Rota seems to engage with a broader dialogue about representation, manipulating the contrast between light and dark to create a deeply human, and deeply moving, scene.