The Resurrection

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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According to the Gospel of Matthew, the Roman governor Pontius Pilate set a guard of soldiers at Christ’s tomb to prevent anyone from stealing his body; they did not expect Christ to rise from the dead. Here we see that the soldiers have fallen asleep, and are completely unaware of Christ’s resurrection.

This scene was popular in Renaissance painting as it provided visual affirmation of the Christian belief in Christ’s bodily resurrection. Christ stands triumphantly upon his tomb, which is a classical-style marble sarcophagus; he holds the banner of the Resurrection – the white flag with a red cross. We also see a large and graceful tree with small fresh leaves – a symbol of life and hope which, in its height and grace, echoes Christ’s pose upon his tomb.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

The Resurrection

Date

perhaps 1460-1550

Medium

Oil on wood

Measurements

H 42.5 x W 31.1 cm

Accession number

NG1106

Acquisition method

Bought, 1881

Work type

Painting

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The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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