The Dead Christ with Angels (Rosso Fiorentino)

The Dead Christ with Angels is a Mannerist painting created by Italian artist Giovanni Battista di Jacopo di Gasparre, known as Rosso Fiorentino, around 1526-1527. The work depicts the lifeless body of Jesus Christ being mourned by angels. It is notable for its emotionally charged atmosphere, unconventional color palette, and distorted figures, all characteristic of the Mannerist style.

The painting departs significantly from the High Renaissance ideals of harmony and balance. Instead, Fiorentino emphasizes dramatic lighting, sharp angles, and elongated bodies to convey a sense of grief and spiritual anguish. The angels surrounding Christ are not serene and comforting, but rather express a range of raw emotions, from sorrow to bewilderment.

The artwork was created during a turbulent period in Florentine history, following the Sack of Rome in 1527, an event which profoundly impacted Italian artists. Some scholars interpret the painting as a reflection of the political and social instability of the time.

Currently, The Dead Christ with Angels is housed in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. It remains a significant example of Mannerist art and continues to be studied for its innovative composition and expressive power.