Artwork
The Resurrection
The Resurrection is an unspecified painting by the Sienese School artist Master of the Osservanza. It is held in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1440, this panel painting portrays the Christian episode of the Resurrection. The central figure, identified as the risen Christ, emerges from an open tomb bathed in a luminous halo and wrapped in a white garment. The work is part of the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on the resurrected Jesus, whose radiant presence dominates the scene. To his right, a kneeling figure in a green robe gazes upward, suggesting reverence or awe. In the foreground, three men in red and brown attire appear collapsed or praying, reflecting the varied human reactions to the miraculous event.
Technique & Style
The painter employs chiaroscuro to model forms, using strong contrasts of light and shadow to convey depth and drama. A dark, atmospheric landscape of trees and hills recedes behind the figures, while the sky transitions from deep blue to warm orange, enhancing the sense of divine illumination.
History & Provenance
Attributed to the anonymous Master of the Osservanza, the work dates to the mid‑15th century. It entered the Detroit Institute of Arts’ holdings through acquisition in the 20th century, though earlier ownership records remain sparse.
Context
The painting reflects the devotional practices of early Renaissance Italy, where depictions of Christ’s triumph over death served both liturgical and instructional purposes. The use of vivid colors and expressive gestures aligns with contemporary trends in religious art, emphasizing emotional engagement with sacred narratives.
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Artist & collection
The Meeting of Saint Anthony and Saint Paul
Saint Anthony Abbot Tempted by a Heap of Gold
Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Cherubim
The Death of Saint Anthony
Saint Anthony Leaving His Monastery
Saint Anthony Distributing His Wealth to the Poor
All Saints in an Initial E or O
The Crucifixion with the Virgin and Saint John, with Saint John Baptist (above); Franciscan Saint in Prayer before a Vision of Christ and Saints, with a Male Saint (above) (recto and verso)
