Lamentation of Christ c. 1460 - 1500

Fra Battista Spagnoli's "Lamentation of Christ" is a poignant panel painting that invites us to consider the narratives of grief and compassion in the late 15th century. Spagnoli, born in 1447, lived during a time of intense religious fervor and social change. Here we see Christ’s body surrounded by mourning figures. The Virgin Mary’s face is one of sorrow, embracing her son in his final moments. The grief cuts across gender lines, expressing universal pain. Paintings like these served as powerful tools to evoke empathy, especially given the social hierarchies of the time. Rather than upholding traditional representations of power, Spagnoli creates a space for vulnerability. The painting serves as a reminder of the complex ways in which art can provide solace, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences of loss and empathy.