The Entombment of Christ 1500 - 1515

Andrea Briosco, known as Riccio, created this bronze relief sculpture, "The Entombment of Christ," which is now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Measuring just 4 1/2 by 6 1/2 inches, the sculpture commands attention through its dramatic composition and intricate detailing. Riccio masterfully arranges the figures, creating a dense, emotional tableau centered around the body of Christ. The horizontal form of Christ is counterposed by the vertical gestures of the mourners, enhancing the drama. Look closely at the surface texture, the artist manipulates the bronze to convey a range of emotional responses from grief to despair. By employing classical forms with an expressive naturalism, Riccio destabilizes the traditional religious iconography. The result is a powerful meditation on mortality, and suffering that reflects the cultural and philosophical discourses of the Renaissance. This piece invites continuous interpretation, its aesthetic qualities intertwined with deeper cultural significance.