The Resurrection
Artist: Imitator of Andrea Mantegna (Italian, c. 1431 - 1506)
Original Dimensions: 16 3/4" x 12 1/4"
Location: National Gallery of Art, London
About Artwork: (Perhaps 1460-1550) "According to the Gospel of Matthew, the Roman governor Pontius Pilate set a guard of soldiers at Christ’s tomb to prevent anyone from stealing his body; they did not expect Christ to rise from the dead. Here we see that the soldiers have fallen asleep, and are completely unaware of Christ’s resurrection. This scene was popular in Renaissance painting as it provided visual affirmation of the Christian belief in Christ’s bodily resurrection. Christ stands triumphantly upon his tomb, which is a classical-style marble sarcophagus; he holds the banner of the Resurrection – the white flag with a red cross. We also see a large and graceful tree with small fresh leaves – a symbol of life and hope which, in its height and grace, echoes Christ’s pose upon his tomb." - (National Gallery of Art, London)

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