Spanish school; 17th century.

Spanish School; XVII century.
"Holy Burial".
Illuminated oil engraving on paper glued to board.
Measurements: 36 x 55 cm.
This work follows the model of The Burial of Christ, a painting of about 1520 by Titian, which is currently preserved in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
The work originally belonged to the Gonzaga family and was acquired in 1627 by Charles I of England. After his death, his collection was auctioned and the painting passed through private hands until it was purchased by Louis XIV in 1662.
Although it is traditionally dated around 1525, there are no documents confirming its commission or its direct relationship to specific members of the Gonzaga family. It is considered one of the first works that Titian made for this family. There is also a later copy, possibly signed by the artist himself.
The scene depicts the dead Christ being carried to the tomb by Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea and St. John the Evangelist. On the left are the Virgin Mary, grieving, and Mary Magdalene, who holds her. The triangular composition reinforces the weight of the body, while the use of light and shadow guides the gaze towards Christ and anticipates the darkness of the tomb, symbolizing death.
Despite the drama of the subject, the work stands out for its fluidity and naturalness, qualities that bring it close to the classical relief style and relate it to similar interpretations by Pontormo and Rosso Fiorentino.