The Entombment of Christ c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have an anonymous painting of "The Entombment of Christ," currently housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The figures seem to strain against the confines of the composition. What do you notice about the formal elements at play here? Curator: The stark contrast between the figures and the background immediately draws the eye. Note how the artist uses the diagonal arrangement of bodies to create a dynamic tension, a visual echo of the emotional turmoil. Editor: That’s a great point. So it’s the line work that really drives the feeling of the piece? Curator: Precisely. And consider the use of light and shadow – it sculpts the forms, giving them a heightened sense of realism, while also adding to the overall drama. Editor: I see that now! The interplay is so effective. Thanks for pointing out the details. Curator: My pleasure. It is through such formal analysis that we begin to understand the work's power.