The Resurrection

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through a truly remarkable piece in our collection: The Resurrection, a powerful print from 1480 by the master artist Martin Schongauer. This relatively small work, measuring just 11.8 by 16.7 centimeters, packs an immense visual and spiritual punch. nn The scene depicts the dramatic moment of Christ's resurrection. Jesus, the central figure, radiates light, almost bursting forth from a sunburst behind him. His pose is triumphant, his right hand raised in a gesture of blessing. His nudity from the waist up contrasts with the flowing cloth draped over his lower body, emphasizing his divine nature. Around him, four guards react with varying degrees of surprise and fear to this miraculous event; some slumbering, others startled, their weapons – a crossbow and a halberd – adding to the tension. An angel, serene and watchful, rests on one of the sarcophagi, holding aloft a banner bearing a cross, a clear symbol of faith. nn Schongauer's masterful technique is evident in the intricate detail of the stone sarcophagi and the expressive rendering of the figures' faces. While the print uses a monochromatic palette of blacks and grays, the skillful use of light and shadow creates a dramatic three-dimensionality, highlighting Jesus's radiant form against the darker, more shadowed figures and background. The diagonal lines of the sarcophagi and the figures' dynamic poses generate a sense of movement and energy within the composition. nn The Resurrection is a powerful testament to Schongauer's skill and the enduring power of religious imagery. It's a captivating example of 15th-century printmaking, showcasing the artist's ability to convey both narrative and emotion within a relatively small format. This piece is part of the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, a testament to its artistic and historical significance. I hope you find it as moving and inspiring as I do.