The Body of Jesus is Laid in the Tomb 1917

Curator: Eric Gill's wood engraving, "The Body of Jesus is Laid in the Tomb," presents a poignant scene. It's currently held in the Tate Collections. Editor: The stark black and white creates such a somber mood. The angularity, the almost brutal simplicity...it's compelling. Curator: Gill, active in the early 20th century, engaged deeply with religious themes, and social justice. This piece resonates with his wider project of aligning faith with everyday life. Editor: And the craft! The deliberate gouges, the way the block prints yield such sharp lines... it emphasizes the physicality of grief, the labor of mourning. Curator: The piece reflects a moment of profound cultural shift, where the established Church faced increasing social questioning. Gill's art became part of that dialogue. Editor: Seeing how the negative space defines the figures, it's a powerful reminder that absence and loss are tangible things, shaped by human hands. Curator: Absolutely. Gill's piece invites us to consider the social and spiritual context of grief. Editor: And to recognize the art, even religious art, as a product of material processes.