Christ rising from the tomb, assisted by two angels

Art Historical Context

Behold *Christ Rising from the Tomb, Assisted Two Angels*, a striking engraving by Martino Rota, a prominent Venetian printmaker active between 154 and 1583. This 16th-century work captures a pivotal moment in Christian iconography: the Resurrection, where Christ emerges triumphantly from the tomb, supported by two ethereal angels. Measuring 16 5/16 × 10 5/8 inches, its trimmed sheet reflects the intimate scale typical of engravings, designed for personal devotion or scholarly collections. Rota, influenced by masters like Titian and Veronese, excelled in translating grand paintings into precise prints using the intaglio technique—incising lines into a metal plate with a burin for rich, tonal depth. During the Renaissance, such engravings democratized high art, allowing religious imagery to circulate widely amid the Counter-Reformation's push for visual piety. This piece exemplifies Venice's vibrant print culture, blending Mannerist elegance with dramatic chiaroscuro to evoke divine power and human awe. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Elisha Whittelsey Collection (acquired 1959), it invites visitors to ponder how prints bridged elite workshops and everyday faith, preserving sacred narratives for generations. A testament to artistry's enduring reach!