Kristi gravlæggelse 1823 - 1824

Ditlev Blunck created this painting, *Kristi gravlæggelse*, using oil on canvas. Looking closely, notice how Blunck has used the inherent qualities of oil paint to emphasize the weight and lifelessness of Christ's body. Thin layers create translucent skin, while thicker applications define the muscles of the men bearing his weight. The damp cloth clings realistically, thanks to the paint’s textural possibilities. But the real substance of this painting isn't just about the representation. It is also found in the labor involved. The artist's process, from preparing the canvas to mixing pigments, was a physically demanding craft, often unseen but always present in the final product. Here, the materiality and the making work in concert to imbue this depiction with a social resonance, reminding us of the human effort—both in the painting's creation and in the scene it portrays. Understanding these material and making processes helps us challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.