| Method | Copper engraving |
| Artist | William Sharp after Annibale Carracci |
| Published | Publish'd by Willm. Sharp London Feby. 10 1822 |
| Dimensions | Image 508 x 593 mm, Sheet 542 x 672 mm |
| Notes |
Proof. Sharp found his inspiration for this dramatic engraving in Annibale Caracci's 'The Dead Christ Mourned', painted around 1604, and now in the collection of the National Gallery. Although the Gospels never overtly described such an incident that is depicted in Carracci's and Sharp's work, the lamentation over Christ had become a traditional subject. Strangely, this particular depiction only presents female mourners. The figure supporting the body of Christ is his mother, the Virgin Mary, and kneeling behind her is likely Saint Mary Magdalene. It is probable that the two women set to the right of the composition are Mary, the mother of James, and Mary Salome. Sharp left this engraving unfinished, with Frederick Bacon later finishing the work. William Sharp (1749 - 1824) was an English engraver. Beginning his career as an apprentice to Barak Longmate, a heraldic engraver, Sharp then went on to work as a writing engraver in Bartholomew Lane. From 1771, he studied at the Royal Academy Schools, and went on to become one of the most distinguished line engravers in Britain. Annibale Carracci (1560 - 1609) was an Italian Baroque painter. Condition: Trimmed within plate mark along upper and lower edges, and a central vertical fold. Large water stain to lower centre of sheet, slightly affecting image. Time toning and creasing to margins, and a few small tears to edges of sheet. Foxing running along fold. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £300.00 |
| Stock ID | 40323 |