Resurrection

One of the leading Northern European artists of his generation, Dieric Bouts loved to mix a contemplative approach to painting with a powerful spirituality. To be honest, the painting we present today is quite Baroque-ish. As Christ rises from the tomb, the drama and theatricality of the moment are stilled by the intent gaze of Christ and by the lyrical landscape background. While the figures of Christ and the angel are clearly inspired by a variety of Northern and Southern Netherlandish predecessors (most notably Jan van Eyck and Rogier van der Weyden), the lying figure of the guard is so Renaissance-like!

The Resurrection belongs to a now-dismembered four- or five-part altarpiece that tells the story of the life of Jesus. Like pastel, the medium—distemper on unprimed linen—is inherently delicate and its colors fugitive, which makes it all the more extraordinary that this early canvas has survived in such a remarkably well-preserved condition. 

To all Western Christians: Happy Easter Sunday!

P.S. Here is the story of Holy Week and Easter explained in paintings.

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