Artwork
Stone of Unction, Holy Sepulchre
Stone of Unction, Holy Sepulchre is a print by the Romanticist artist David Roberts. It dates from 1839 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1927.87
About this work
Overview
Stone of Unction, Holy Sepulchre is an 1839 print by David Roberts, a Scottish artist renowned for his meticulous depictions of the Near East. This work is part of a series inspired by his travels through the region from 1838 to 1840.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a solemn scene within the Holy Sepulchre, focusing on the Stone of Unction, a revered site where Jesus' body was anointed after crucifixion. Figures in traditional attire gather around the stone, engaged in prayer or reverence, conveying a sense of religious devotion.
Technique & Style
Roberts employed soft shading techniques, akin to chiaroscuro, to create a deep, dimly lit atmosphere, emphasizing the sacred nature of the scene. The composition highlights his characteristic attention to architectural detail and topographical accuracy.
History & Provenance
Created in 1839, the print contributed to Roberts' recognition as a Royal Academician in 1841. It is currently housed in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Context
As an Orientalist work, Stone of Unction reflects 19th-century European fascination with the Near East. Roberts' travels and detailed renderings catered to this interest, blending cultural documentation with artistic expression.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
David Roberts (24 October 1796 – 25 November 1864) was a Scottish painter. He is especially known for The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia, a prolific series of detailed lithograph prints of Egypt and…
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