Artwork
The Dead Body of Christ
The Dead Body of Christ is an ink print by the Baroque artist Martial Desbois. It dates from 1690 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center in image: MDesbois fecit; by later hand, upper right verso in ink: 3 douz (not deciphered) / d'Estampe; by later hand, lower center verso in graphite: Martial Desbois / RD 2
About this work
Overview
The Dead Body of Christ is a print created by Martial Desbois around 1690 using the mezzotint technique on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts the lifeless body of Christ, reclining on a cloth, with a crown of thorns nearby. His pose, with head on arm and hand near stomach, conveys a sense of stillness.
Technique & Style
Desbois's use of mezzotint achieves a high level of detail, particularly in the rendering of Christ's muscles and facial features. The dark background and chiaroscuro technique create a dramatic effect, drawing attention to the figure.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Study of a male nude figure, seated, with his right foot on a round block and his head thrown back.
Part of the Last Judgment from Michael Angelo
Resurrection of Christ
An Academy Study of a Reclining Male Nude
Figure from The Last Judgment![Seated Satyr Leaning Backward [recto], by Jean-Baptiste Deshays](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/jean-baptiste-deshays--seated-satyr-leaning-backward-recto--46579a155129856e-w320.webp)
Seated Satyr Leaning Backward [recto]
Apollo
Standing Man in Pensive Pose
A Reclining Male Nude
A Seated Male Nude with His Hands Crossed over His Head