Entombment of Christ

Art Historical Context

Behold the poignant *Entombment of* (1548), an engraving by Flemish artist Lambert Suavius (ca. 1510–1567). This evocative print captures a sacred moment from the Passion of Christ, where mourners tenderly lower his body into the tomb—a theme central to Christian iconography during the Renaissance. Suavius, a masteraver active in Antwerp and influenced by Italian Renaissance masters, brought emotional depth and classical composure to religious subjects, bridging Northern and Southern European traditions. Crafted as an engraving on a modest sheet (7 1/4 x 8 1/8 in.), this medium revolutionized art dissemination in the 16th century. Unlike paintings, engravings allowed for multiple impressions, making devotional images accessible to a wider audience beyond elite patrons. Suavius's precise burin work likely renders intricate details of drapery, anatomy, and expressive faces, showcasing the technical virtuosity of printmaking during the Northern Renaissance. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, 1949), this piece reflects the era's fervent religious devotion amid the Reformation's upheavals. It invites visitors to ponder the universal themes of sorrow and redemption, a timeless testament to art's spiritual power.

About the Artist

Lambert Suavius · 1510–1576

Lambert Suavius (c.1510–c.1574/76), whose Flemish family name was Zutman, was born in Liège, in the southern Netherlands. He was the son of an episcopal goldsmith, Henri Zutman, and from his father's craft environment he inherited a training in the precise handling of metal and an appreciation for fine detail work. He became closely associated with his brother-in-law Lambert Lombard, the leading a...