Christ 1530

Bernardino Luini painted this oil on panel portrait of Christ sometime in the early 16th century. Luini was part of a generation of artists in Milan who were deeply influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, particularly by the emphasis on grace and emotional expression. During this time, the Catholic Church was a central part of everyday life. Luini painted religious figures to reflect the ideals of the church, but also contemporary aesthetics. Here, Christ is depicted with a serene expression, gazing directly at the viewer. The colors are soft and the lines are delicate, all qualities that reflect the aesthetic preferences of the Renaissance. Luini was aware of the political and religious concerns of his time. His Christ embodies a message of peace, which may have resonated with viewers during a period marked by political and religious conflicts. How does this depiction make you feel?