Who created "The Lamentation"?

The Lamentation was created by Ambrosius Benson in ca. 1520–25.

When was "The Lamentation" created?

This artwork was created ca. 1520–25.

What medium is "The Lamentation"?

The Lamentation is Oil on canvas, transferred from wood.

Is "The Lamentation" in the public domain?

Yes, The Lamentation is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

The Lamentation

Ambrosius Benson

ca. 1520–25

Medium

Oil on canvas, transferred from wood

Dimensions

Shaped top, 36 x 22 1/8 in. (91.4 x 56.2 cm)

Classification

Paintings

Department

European Paintings

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

The Jack and Belle Linsky Collection, 1982

Accession Number

1982.60.23

Tags

ChristVirgin MarySadnessSufferingMary MagdaleneSaint John the EvangelistLamentationDeath

Art Historical Context

In the hushed intimacy of *The Lamentation* by Ambrosius Benson, painted around 1520–25, we witness a poignant moment from the Passion of Christ. The Virgin Mary cradles her lifeless body, surrounded by the grieving Mary Magdalene and Saint John Evangelist. This Northern Renaissance scene captures profound sadness and suffering, hallmarks of Flemish devotional art that invited viewers to empathize with the holy figures' sorrow. Benson, a Flemish active in Bruges, drew from the era's emotional intensity, blending meticulous oil techniques—originally on wood panel, later transferred to canvas—f...

The Lamentation

Send Feedback