Agnolo Tori il Bronzino, “Deposition of Christ” at the Accademia Gallery in Florence

Deposition of Christ Painting — Oil on wood (349 x 254 cm) 1561

This large painting made in 1561 was commissioned in Bronzino by Duke Cosimo I of Medici to be installed in the church of Frati Minori Osservanti de Portoferraio in Livorno, on the island of Elba.

Its transport, given the large size of the work, was carried out by boat. First on the Arno from Florence and then at sea from Livorno.

The bearded and elderly man in the upper left part of the painting is none other than Bronzino himself, who made his self-portrait here.

At the top of the painting, Jesus descended from the cross, and one can still see on either side of him the two crucified thieves.

Deposition of Christ Painting — Oil on wood (349 x 254 cm) 1561 The deplored Virgin holds one of her son's arms while a woman tries to relieve her pain by supporting her.

The gaze of the Virgin, looking towards the sky, is particularly poignant.

Saint John the Baptist sits behind Christ and supports his body with one hand.

Mary Magdalene takes the hand of Christ in her own and holds her arm.

Bronzino used green and dark tones to emphasize the drama of the scene.

The most apparent element of the painting, thus highlighted, is the body of Christ.

Deposition of Christ