Artwork

The Lamentation

The Lamentation, by Italian 17th Century, ink
The Lamentation, by Italian 17th Century, ink

The Lamentation is an ink print by the Baroque artist Italian 17th Century. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Lamentation is an etching on laid paper, depicting a chaotic scene of mourners gathered around a central figure on the ground.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a group of people reacting to a lifeless body, their bodies twisted in grief, with some kneeling and others standing with outstretched arms.

Technique & Style

The etching technique used allows for textured, dark lines due to ink buildup, creating a sense of movement and emotion through rough, swirling lines.

Context

The work demonstrates the artist's use of etching to convey dramatic scenes, a technique that enables the creation of detailed prints from metal plates.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Italian 17th Century

Artist

Italian 17th Century

This Italian artist worked in the 17th century, making engravings, ink drawings, and oil paintings.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.