The Body of the Dead Christ in the Tomb
Artist: Hans Holbein the Younger
1521
Painting
In this panel, Holbein has created a life-size image of Christ, lying in his tomb. The greenish hue to the skin, in particular around the wounds on the hand, feet and torso, as well as on his face suggest the putrefaction of flesh and results in an almost grotesque image. Rather than creating a sense of calm or peace, the mouth and eyes are shown wide open, so that the pain endured on the cross seems to continue into the tomb. These elements emphasize Christ's humanity over his divine status and this is compounded by the unnaturally stretched and emaciated body being confined in an uncomfortably narrow space, imbuing it with an uneasy claustrophobia.
This oil and tempera painting on lime wood is in the Öffentliche Kunstsammlung, Basel, Switzerland
The Boy Jesus at Temple
Artist: Heinrich Hoffman
1881
Painting
A young adolescent Jesus in white robes is shown at the center of a group of wizened, bearded old men who appear to be appraising him. In the left foreground, one is seated with at book, two other standing next to him making quizzical gestures. To the left, a fourth man holds his hand to his chin and a scroll on his hip. Farther back a fifth man without a beard can just barely be seen.
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