Workshop of Jean Pénicaud (about 1490 - about 1540)
The Entombment, 15th century - 16th century
Enamel on copper with inset glass gems, 20.5 x 17 cm (8 1/16 x 6 11/16 in.)
This French, square enamel painting shows Jesus Christ being placed in a tomb, which extends across the lower third of the rectangular picture. The pale figure of Jesus faces you and extends diagonally from the upper left to bottom right. Jesus’s eyes are closed and narrow red streams of blood drip from his head, arm, breast and feet. He is surrounded and supported by seven people, one of whom is kneeling with his back to you. Visible in the background at the upper right corner is a cross and a small forest. There is brilliant white, blue, green, pink, and gold throughout this artwork, including in Jesus’s shroud, the other figures’ clothing, several jeweled halos, and the starry night sky. The frame of the work has a narrow gold band with ornamentation, surrounded by worn, red velvet.
Long Gallery
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.