This painting by Andrea Mantegna was reproduced in our
family Bible. As a boy, I used to look at it and marvel. I still marvel.
It is monumental yet intimate, sculpted stone yet
flesh, cold and warm simultaneously. The Lamentation of Christ dates from about 1480. I imagine Mantegna must have been
satisfied with the painting.
It reminds me of an argument I had, in which I maintained
the mental process for artist and poet is very similar. Both are striving for a
striking composition, new angle, a different perspective; something that make
the whole greater than its parts.
This image achieves it from the torn holes in Christ’s
feet to the expression on His face, dignity and torture.
No comments:
Post a Comment