MAGNIFICAT: THE ART ESSAY OF THE MONTH Resurrection (1440–1445) by Maestro dell’Osservanza (active c. 1440–1480) This Resurrection of Christ, painted by the Master of the Observance, commands attention …More
MAGNIFICAT: THE ART ESSAY OF THE MONTH
Resurrection (1440–1445) by Maestro dell’Osservanza (active c. 1440–1480)
This Resurrection of Christ, painted by the Master of the Observance, commands attention through its dramatic contrasts. A calm Christ, insulated in his aureole, drifts above stupefied soldiers: in the background, a shadowy silhouette is submerged by fiery light. It is the morning of the Resurrection: the epic battle between good and evil has been won, and in those quiet moments before dawn, we, as beholders, join the few witnesses to Christ’s final victory.
A desolate clearing sets the stage for Jesus’ return from the dead. The sentinels charged with guarding the tomb lie prostrate on the ground, their posture evincing both fear and worship, the picture of awe. Christ, enclosed in a golden cloud, floats serenely above their heads. He carries the flag of the red cross against a white ground, the symbol of his triumph over death. Jesus’ redemption of humanity brings the promise …More
Resurrection (1440–1445) by Maestro dell’Osservanza (active c. 1440–1480)
This Resurrection of Christ, painted by the Master of the Observance, commands attention through its dramatic contrasts. A calm Christ, insulated in his aureole, drifts above stupefied soldiers: in the background, a shadowy silhouette is submerged by fiery light. It is the morning of the Resurrection: the epic battle between good and evil has been won, and in those quiet moments before dawn, we, as beholders, join the few witnesses to Christ’s final victory.
A desolate clearing sets the stage for Jesus’ return from the dead. The sentinels charged with guarding the tomb lie prostrate on the ground, their posture evincing both fear and worship, the picture of awe. Christ, enclosed in a golden cloud, floats serenely above their heads. He carries the flag of the red cross against a white ground, the symbol of his triumph over death. Jesus’ redemption of humanity brings the promise …More
