The Entombment 1475

Andrea Mantegna created this engraving, The Entombment, in Italy around 1500, depicting the body of Christ being carried to his tomb. Mantegna was interested in the clarity of line and form of classical sculpture, and these interests aligned with the growing humanist movement in Italian institutions. Although a religious scene, Mantegna’s engraving suggests a world of intense emotion, with those surrounding Christ overcome with grief. Look at the clear, sharp lines and dramatic shading that give the image its emotional power. It’s worth considering how the artistic institutions of Italy influenced the art of this time. As the status of the artist grew, so did the belief that art was more than just a craft: it had the power to represent the inner lives of people. To understand this artwork, one might research Renaissance humanism, the history of art academies, and the social role of religion in 16th-century Italy. What do these sources tell us about the cultural values of this period?