De Graflegging 1853

Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld made this print of ‘The Entombment’ in 1853. Here, Christ’s followers gently lay his body in a tomb after the crucifixion. Made in Germany, this print reflects a period of intense religious and spiritual debate. The German art world was divided between traditional academic styles and more modern, often religiously inspired, movements. Here, Schnorr von Carolsfeld revives earlier Renaissance styles, drawing on artists like Raphael and Dürer. Note the serene, idealized figures and the careful attention to anatomy, all reminiscent of Renaissance art. But this wasn't just about aesthetics; it was also about a return to strong religious conviction at a time when secularism was growing. Artists like Schnorr von Carolsfeld sought to reinforce Christian values through their work, in the face of rapid social change. Studying such art means diving into both artistic sources, and the theological and social debates of 19th-century Germany, to fully understand its message.