Artwork
The Resurrection of Christ
The Resurrection of Christ is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Luis de Morales. It dates from 1566 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The cross held by the figure and the surrounding heavenly spheres reference traditional iconography of the Resurrection, emphasizing victory and eternal life.
The Resurrection of Christ depicts the risen Jesus emerging from the tomb, his figure bathed in radiant light that symbolizes triumph over death and divine authority. The cross held by the figure and the surrounding heavenly spheres reference traditional iconography of the Resurrection, emphasizing victory and eternal life. This work, painted by Luis de Morales in 1566, draws on Counter-Reformation themes of faith and redemption, reflecting the theological significance of Christ's resurrection in Catholic doctrine.
Technique & Style
The Resurrection of Christ is an oil painting executed on wooden panel, measuring 167.7 cm in height by 125.4 cm in width. Created in 1566 by Luis de Morales, the work depicts the risen Christ emerging from the tomb amidst a cross and other symbolic elements. The composition emphasizes the physical and spiritual triumph of the resurrection through dramatic lighting and dynamic figures, characteristic of the artist’s mature religious style.
The painting remains well-preserved and is housed in the Museo del Prado, where it continues to be studied for its technical mastery and devotional intensity.
History & Provenance
The Resurrection of Christ by Luis de Morales is dated 1566, as indicated by the artist’s inscription on the work.
The painting entered the collection of the Museo del Prado, Madrid, where it remains held. Its provenance within the Prado’s holdings is documented from at least the mid‑20th century onward.
The work is held by the Museo del Prado, Madrid. It was accessioned in 1943 as P004163.
It was included in the exhibition "Luis de Morales y su tiempo" at the Museo del Prado (2019–2020), where it was displayed under its accession number P004163.
Overview
Luis de Morales, a 16th‑century Spanish painter nicknamed “El Divino,” completed an oil on canvas titled The Resurrection of Christ in 1566. Executed in a Mannerist idiom, the work is part of the Museo del Prado’s holdings and illustrates the artist’s lifelong focus on intensely devotional subjects.
Context
In mid‑16th‑century Spain, Counter‑Reformation ideals encouraged vivid, emotionally charged representations of sacred events. Morales’ Resurrection aligns with this climate, offering a visually arresting yet theologically grounded depiction that would have served both liturgical contemplation and the didactic aims of contemporary ecclesiastical patrons.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Luis de Morales (1509 – 9 May 1586) was a Spanish painter active during the Spanish Renaissance in the 16th century.
