Lamentation over the Dead Christ

A masterpiece of Mantegna, where his ultimate technique of forshortening could be seen easily. Christ has been shown with a view which is laid through his feet, making him appear shortened and feel like adjusted in a frame through technique only. The compositional setup has been done in such a way that the painting reflects an illusionistic depth with great precision by Mantegna. Further, the realistic rendition by the artist makes the viewer connect closely and feel an emotional touch in the painting. And while taking a detailed look towards the iconographical aspect of the painting, one could see that the dead Christ has been shown lying on a stone slab, probably after the crucifixion, which could easily be identified through the wounds rendered very realistically by Mantegna on Christ’s hand and feet. And the rendition of the cloth covering the Christ reflects a highly realistic study by Mantegna, and it symbolises purity in the following scene, further a sign of mourning as well. Besides Christ, two grief-stricken, highly emotional figures could also be seen, who are identified as St. John and, along with him, the Virgin Mary. Beyond the figures' dark background, shown empty without any elements, reflects silence and heaviness in the heart, even for the audience. Also, the realism reflected in the rendition of Mantegna acts as a reflection of humanity in this artwork. And expressions rendered by Mantegna hold strong grief and emotional compassion very well. Further, the falling of soft light on Christ’s body acts as a symbol of holiness and his spiritual value and feeling in the painting. Hence, the painting reflects the classical idea of Renaissance art very well.