The Entombment of Christ 1756 - 1801

Johann Caspar Lavater created this small oil-on-panel painting of the Entombment of Christ sometime before his death in 1801. Here, the artist's technique enhances the scene's somber mood. Lavater applied the paint in thin, translucent layers, creating a subdued, almost ghostly effect. The dark background and muted colors intensify the feeling of grief and loss. See how the artist built up the image through many layers of glazing to create a sense of depth and shadow. This method, which can be painstaking, was often favored for its capacity to render subtle gradations of tone and luminosity, especially when depicting skin. In the end, it is not only the composition that conveys the scene's emotion, but also the very way in which it was brought into being. By focusing on such elements, we can better appreciate the artistry involved, moving beyond conventional categories of fine art.