“The Deposition,” a sculpture by Michelangelo circa 1550, represents a notable work from the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement. The artwork is currently housed in the Duomo di Firenze (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore), located in Florence, Italy.
The artwork poignantly captures the deposition of Christ from the cross, a moment of profound sorrow and humanity. Carved from marble, it depicts four figures: the lifeless body of Christ being held by Nicodemus, the Virgin Mary, and Mary Magdalene. The expressions and postures of the figures convey a deep sense of grief and reverence. Nicodemus, draped in a hooded garment, looks down with a solemn expression, providing support to Christ’s upper body. The Virgin Mary, with a sorrowful gaze, and Mary Magdalene, who appears to be assisting with the lifeless limbs of Christ, accentuate the emotional intensity of the scene. Michelangelo’s mastery in sculpting the human form and capturing raw emotion is evident in the intricate details and the lifelike rendering of the figures, making this work a profound testament to his artistic genius.
