Lamentation (The Mourning of Christ)

Lamentation (The Mourning of Christ)
Artist	Giotto di Bondone
Year	c.1304–1306
Medium	fresco
Dimensions	200 by 185 centimetres (79 in × 73 in)
Location	Scrovegni Chapel, Padua, Italy

Lamentation (The Mourning of Christ) is a fresco painted c.1305 by the Italian artist Giotto as part of his cycle of the Life of Christ on the north interior wall of the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, Italy. ^[1]

The Scrovegni Chapel was built as a private chapel next to the Eremitani Monastery by the well-to-do Scrovegni family and consecrated in 1305. Between 1304 and 1306, Giotto decorated the inside walls and ceiling of the chapel with a series of frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible, including the Life of Christ series. The works are considered a masterpiece. Both the monastery and the chapel now form part of the Musei Civici di Padova. ^[2]

Giotto is described as a Proto-Renaissance artist, preceding and paving the way for the early Florentine Renaissance painters, breaking the artistic mold of the Byzantine period by introducing naturalism and depth into his work.

In the painting, Christ's body has been lowered from the cross and laid on the ground surrounded by his grieving family and friends. His head is being held by the Virgin Mary and his feet by Mary Magdelene. Behind them, John the Apostle throws his arms wide in despair. To the right, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea wait to prepare the body to be laid to rest. (John 19:38–42)

See also[]

• 100 Great Paintings, 1980 BBC series
• Lamentation of Christ

Sources[]