“Christ of Pity supported by a cherub and a seraph,” created by Andrea Mantegna in 1490, is an oil painting from the Early Renaissance period. The painting, measuring 78 x 48 centimeters, is a religious artwork that depicts a poignant scene of Christ being supported by a cherub and a seraph. This masterpiece is housed at the National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst) in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The artwork portrays a somber yet serene depiction of Christ post-crucifixion, illustrated with remarkable attention to human anatomy and emotion. Christ is seen seated on a marble slab, draped in a white shroud, his wounds visible on his hands and feet. His expression conveys a mixture of sorrow and resignation. The cherub, on the left, dressed in a delicate red robe with wings shimmering in shades of red and black, gently supports Christ. To the right, the seraph clad in a blue garment, with wings exhibiting a blend of blue and black hues, holds a cloth near Christ’s side. The background reveals a dramatic landscape under a turbulent sky, with the hill of Golgotha and the crosses of Calvary faintly visible, enhancing the ominous post-crucifixion setting. The masterful use of chiaroscuro highlights the divine nature of the figures, adding depth and realism to the composition.
