Subject
The Entombment of Christ by Caravaggio and The Raising of the Cross by Peter Paul Rubens are two monumental works of art that depict religious themes. In terms of subject matter, both paintings are scenes from the Bible. However, The Entombment of Christ shows Jesus’s dead body being laid to rest in a tomb after his crucifixion, while The Raising of the Cross portrays the moment when Christ is lifted onto the cross to be crucified.
Similarities
One similarity is the use of diagonal lines to create a sense of movement and energy in the compositions. In The Entombment of Christ, the lines of the figures’ bodies and the edge of the tomb create a diagonal that leads the viewer’s eye toward the central figure of Christ (Peter Paul Rubens et al., 2021). Similarly, in The Raising of the Cross, the diagonal lines of the crosses and the figures’ bodies create a dynamic composition that draws the viewer into the scene.
Differences
However, while the paintings share a common religious motif, they have significant differences, such as the use of light. Caravaggio uses chiaroscuro to create a dramatic contrast between the dark background and the brightly lit figures in the foreground, drawing the viewer’s attention to the central figure of Christ. In contrast, Rubens uses a more evenly distributed light, highlighting the multitude of figures and emphasizing the scene’s drama (D’Alleva & Cothren, 2021).
The background also plays a significant role in the two paintings. In The Entombment of Christ, the background is a dark space that adds to the solemnity of the scene (Robertson et al., 2021). In contrast, The Raising of the Cross has a detailed background with a landscape that adds to the painting’s sense of movement and action.
Exhibitions
The two paintings reside in different locations. The Entombment of Christ is housed at the Vatican Museums in Rome, while The Raising of the Cross is at the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, Belgium.
Purpose and Emotional Response
Both paintings function as religious art, inspiring devotion and contemplation in their viewers. The Entombment of Christ expresses the sorrow and solemnity of Christ’s death, while The Raising of the Cross conveys the drama and intensity of the crucifixion (D’Alleva & Cothren, 2021). Caravaggio’s technique uses strong contrasts of light and dark, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality in the figures. On the other hand, Rubens uses bold colors and dramatic poses to create a sense of motion and energy (Robertson et al., 2021). These techniques reflect the respective cultures of the artists, with Caravaggio’s work exemplifying the Italian Baroque style and Rubens’ work embodying the Flemish Baroque style.
Personal Opinion
From my point of view, the Entombment of Christ might evoke a sense of solemnity and contemplation in me as I reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and the importance of faith. On the other hand, The Raising of the Cross might inspire a sense of awe and admiration for the dynamic composition and dramatic use of color. These paintings might encourage me to learn more about the art and culture of the Baroque period and the religious context in which these works were created. I might also be motivated to experiment with different techniques and styles in my artwork, drawing inspiration from masters like Caravaggio and Rubens.
References
D’Alleva, A., & Cothren, M. (2021). Fundamentals of Art History. Laurence King Publishing.
Peter Paul Rubens, Woollett, A. T., Davide Gasparotto, Spier, J., Adriano Aymonino, Dodero, E., & Getty, P. (2021). Rubens: picturing antiquity. J. Paul Getty Museum.
Robertson, J., Hutton, D. S., Colburn, C. S., Ömür Harmanşah, Kjellgren, E., Koontz, R., De-Nin Deanna Lee, Luttikhuizen, H., Allison Lee Palmer, Sloboda, S., & Monica Blackmun Visonà. (2021). The history of art: a global view. Thames & Hudson Inc.