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This small painting depicts a solemn religious scene. Two angels kneel in quiet contemplation next to Christ, whose body has been taken down from the Cross following his crucifixion. While the Gospels make no mention of angels alongside the dead Christ, two are said to have been present at his tomb on the morning of the Resurrection. Rather than depict the dramatic events of Christ’s crucifixion or resurrection, Guercino has created an imagined moment of grief and quiet reflection. Despite its small scale, the painting evokes a powerful sense of sorrow. One angel is overwhelmed with sadness, his head resting mournfully on his hand; the other looks intently at Christ. The earthy tones used are characteristic of Guercino’s early style. Works on copper, like this one, are usually of small dimensions and were primarily used for private devotion.
Title
The Dead Christ mourned by Two Angels
Date
about 1617-18
Medium
Oil on copper
Measurements
H 36.8 x W 44.4 cm
Accession number
NG22
Acquisition method
Holwell Carr Bequest, 1831
Work type
Painting
The National Gallery, London
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England
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