The risen Christ

Art Historical Context

Behold *The Risen Christ*, a exquisite bronze statuette crafted in 1596 by Antonioini after a model by the renowned Florentine sculptor GiambolognaGiovanni da Bologna). Measuring just 11¾ × 5½ × 3⅛ inches, this intimate sculpture captures the triumphant moment of Christ's resurrection, a pivotal theme in Christian iconography. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of European Sculpture and Decor Arts, it exemplifies the collaborative genius of late Renaissance Florence. Giambologna, a master of Mannerism, was celebrated for his dynamic, elongated figures and intricate compositions that conveyed movement and emotion. Susini, his skilled bronze caster, perfected the lost-wax technique to produce these small-scale reductions—faithful yet portable versions of larger works. Bronze's durability and rich patina made it ideal for devotional objects, allowing wealthy patrons to display piety in private chapels or studies. This piece reflects Florence's enduring artistic legacy during the transition from Renaissance to Baroque, blending spiritual reverence with technical virtuosity. Its compact size invites contemplation, reminding visitors of the era's fusion of faith, humanism, and craftsmanship. A gift from the Edith Perry Chapman Fund in 1963, it continues to inspire awe in the Met's galleries.