Circle of Gerard Seghers; 17th century

Circle of GERARD SEGHERS (Flanders, 1596–1651); 17th century.
“Lamentation of Christ.”
Oil on oak panel.
Measurements: 53.5 x 40.5 cm.
In this work, the theme of the lamentation over Christ’s body is depicted in a more intimate manner than in earlier periods, simplifying the composition and eliminating every possible element. Thus, the body of the dead Christ anchors the image, positioned at the center, with the figures of Mary Magdalene and Saint John arranged around him. In this painting, the figures are set against a black background that enhances their three-dimensionality. Stylistically, the direct influence of tenebrism dominates: the way in which a powerful light builds up the forms and defines the gestures, staging a moment of restrained grief and silent pathos. The bodies are rendered with energetic brushstrokes and selectively illuminated—a technique that undoubtedly helps to accentuate the devotional and emotional message conveyed by the work. The artist also masterfully conveys both physical pain—through the open wound in Christ’s side—and the emotional anguish.
The scene of mourning over Christ’s dead body is part of the Passion cycle and is situated between the Descent from the Cross and the Holy Burial. It depicts the moment when Christ’s body is laid upon a shroud (in other depictions, upon the anointing stone) and his mother, Saint John, the holy women, Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus gather around him, bursting into lamentations and sobs. It is a deeply moving theme, born of popular piety, which focuses attention on the drama of the Passion and on loving, sorrowful contemplation, rendered with a realistic and poignant sensibility. In Byzantium, and in depictions influenced by Byzantine art, the figure of Christ rests on the anointing stone, where his body was perfumed and prepared for burial—a setting that would later become a tomb in Italian art. This scene is not mentioned in the Gospels but finds its origin in mystical literature and devotional texts, as well as in those of the brotherhoods of flagellants.