Baroque: Descent from the Cross, by Rembrandt, 1634

 Baroque: Descent from the Cross, by Rembrandt, 1634

    I chose to focus this blog on the “Descent from the Cross” by Rembrandt. This piece inspired awe in me for a couple of reasons. The first element I noticed in this painting was the lighting and shadows. The painting is relatively dark in color. However, three areas of the painting are lighter than the rest of the piece: Jesus, some other bystanders, and a piece of cloth. According to Brett and Kate McKay in “The Basics of Art: The Baroque Period,” the bystanders in the painting are the faithful women who stood behind Jesus, and the cloth is a shroud in which Jesus will return to life (McKay). Learning about the significance of these three points of focus makes me feel like there is a literal spotlight on them. Drama and theatrically heightened realism characterize the Baroque era, according to Professor Kljiach’s presentation. Therefore, the vividness and energy from the “spotlight” on these focus points invoke a dramatic emotion in the story being portrayed.

    The other element I noticed was the use of diagonal lines. The use of diagonal lines was a signature factor in Baroque artwork. Therefore, when you look at this piece of artwork in particular, one of the first things a viewer might notice is the diagonal line created by Jesus’ arm as he descends from the cross. This line does an excellent job of grabbing the viewer’s attention and directing it to the most important point of the artwork, which is Jesus Christ. When I first see this image, I almost immediately know what is going on in it and the story behind it.

    The painting uses many different elements but is still simple and straight to the point. This is probably due to the Council of Trent during this time and its emphasis on the importance of art being easily understood. This was the opposite of the mannerist paintings from the Renaissance era that had the reputation of being difficult to understand.

    Although I believe this piece of artwork holds a lot of emotional depth and historical significance, I don’t think I would personally own it in my home. The reason is that the subject matter is pretty intense. I have a cozy home, and I think it would be insensitive to hang this painting with the intent of adding warmth to my surroundings.


                                                  Descent from the Cross, by Rembrandt (1634)


Works Cited

McKay, Brett & Kate. “The Basics of Art: The Baroque Period.” The Art of Manliness, 25 Sept. 2021, www.artofmanliness.com/character/knowledge-of-men/the-basics-of-art-the-baroque-period/.

 


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