The Second Golden Age of painting, which lasted from the late 15th century to the mid-17th century, was an era of vibrant religious art. Focusing on the Christian faith, many artists of this age portrayed Jesus Christ in a variety of ways, often focusing on the core values of the faith.
One popular way that Christ was portrayed was as a figure of nobility. Many Renaissance painters showed him as a graceful nobleman donning a crown of thorns or in the form of a martyr. His bright robes and noble face exuded a sense of power and royalty, indicating his heavenly status. For example, “The Entombment of Christ” by El Greco showed the body of Jesus lying in a majestic way, with a crown of thorns looming over his head.
Another way Christ was shown was as a loving and compassionate figure. During this time period, many artists depicted him as a gentle and nurturing figure, often surrounded by animals. This sentiment could be seen in works such as “The Archangels and the Virgin” by Fra Filippo Lippi, which shows the Virgin Mary, Jesus’ mother, holding him in her arms while two angels watch tenderly.
Finally, during this time period, Christ was often portrayed as a powerful figure. Paintings of Christ as the triumphant one, conquering death and evil, were popular during this time period. “The Resurrection” by Raphael was one such example, showing Christ standing gracefully amidst a multitude of angels, as if he were a divine being.
The Second Golden Age of painting was a period of great religious art. During this time period, artists portrayed Christ in many different ways, from a figure of nobility to a loving and compassionate figure and even a powerful conquering figure. Each painting of Christ was unique and showed the artist’s individual interpretation of the faith.