Foreshortened Christ

Andrea Mantegna, Foreshortened Christ, Tempera on Canvas, 2' 2 3/4" x 2' 7 7/8"
ca. 1500

Andrea Mantegna (1431-1506)- From Padua, Mantegna was an artist who was a master of perspective. He  was believed to find joy in creating challenges for himself as an artist.


"In this work of overwhelming emotional power, Mantegna presented both a harrowing study of a strongly foreshortened cadaver and an intensely poignant depiction of a biblical tragedy." - Fred S. Kleiner

This painting is believed to be one of Mantegna's last pieces. This piece is such a masterpiece because it exemplifies true artistic skill in the category of perspective. The artist understood that Christ's feet and legs must be painted smaller so that they would not take up most of the painting. Thus the focus is on the upper half of the painting rather than simply Christ's feet.

This painting connects to the theme of "Jesus the Christ" because of its representation to a major biblical event, and an extremely impact-full event in the life of Christ.