The Dead Christ Supported by an Angel

Description

Giuseppe Scolari's flamboyant woodcut technique both calls attention to this Venetian printmaker's inventive use of this medium and expresses the suffering of the dead Christ. Pulsing line, flickering light, and swirling forms create a sense of drama. The composition is based on a drawing by Federico Zuccaro, while Christ's left hand was modeled on Michelangelo's Vatican "Pietà."
The highly original Scolari breathed new life into the practice of woodcut in the circle of Titian at the end of the century. Unlike Boldrini, Scolari both designed and cut his own blocks. Instead of using traditional knife cutting and systematic hatching and crosshatching, he employed the gouge and graver to create long, flowing strokes. Using this rare manner of woodcut that creates the impression of white lines on black, he developed a virtuoso technique with abrupt contrasts of light and dark. Scolari's energetic line and depiction of dramatic light intensify the emotional impact of this image of Christ's body displayed by an angel.
The monogram seen in the lower right corner was added to the second state of this print. It may be the insignia of the publisher.
Exhibition label text for "Venice, Traditions Transformed," September 21, 1996 - January 12, 1997 by Annette Dixon and Monika Schmitter.