Paintings, Performance and installations cross centuries reflecting the spirituality and symbolic force of the Easter
Easter, beyond its religious meaning, has been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for thousands of artists throughout history.
The date also reflects a cultural evolution, social and artistic over the centuries, that can be seen in the artistic manifestations.
Several works of art portray important moments such as passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as symbols associated with the celebration, like the egg, that represents renewal and new life in different cultures and countries.
What are the best known works with this theme?
“The Last Supper” (1495-1498) – Leonardo Da Vinci
One of most iconic works in art history western and one of the most famous and important in the world, “The Last Supper” portrays the moment in which Jesus announces that it will be betrayed by one of the disciples.
Produced between 1495 and 1498, The work was commissioned to adorn the wall of the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, in Milan.
Leonardo da Vinci breaks with conventions prior to creating a dramatic and expressive composition, with attention to human relations.
A OBRA PODE SER VISITDA NO CONVENTO DE Santa Maria delle Grazie, in Milan, Italy, And annually receives thousands of people.
“Resurrection of Christ” (1499-1502) – Rafael Sanzio
Also known as “the resurrection of Kinnaird”, Rafael's painting was created when the artist was still very young.
The work portrays resurrect Christ wrapped in a light, hovering on a symbolic background, contrasting with the soldiers scared in the foreground.
The symmetry and balance of composition reveal the artist's classic formation that would mark Rafael's production during the high Renaissance.
The picture is available to the public to be visited at the São Paulo Art Museum (MASP), in São Paulo, Brasil.
“The supper in Emmaus” (1648) – Rembrandt van Rijn
The masterpiece of the Dutch painter Rembrandt, one of the most renowned in the Dutch golden age, captures the moment when two disciples recognize Jesus risen by leaving bread.
Dramatic lighting and expressive use of shadows contribute to the intensity of the drama of the scene, One of the artist's favorite themes.
The work is on display at the Louvre Museum, in Paris, France.
“Christ carrying the cross” (1578) – El Greco
Made by the Spanish Renaissance painter, sculptor and architect El Greco, The work dramatizes the moment when Christ carries the cross towards Calvary.
Jesus' serene expression contrasts with the physical and symbolic weight of the cross, reinforcing the spiritual character of the scene. The intense palette and stretched strokes are marks of the artist's style.
The work can be visited at the Prado Museum, in Madrid, Spain.
Brazilian artistic production has also addressed the pascal theme with originality and depth over the years.
Throughout the 20th century, especially with modernism and avant -garde, Easter came to be interpreted not only as a religious celebration, But as a political metaphor, social and existential.
And among the best known artists and works here, we have:
“The egg” (1967) – Lygia Pape
Brazilian artist Lygia Pape was one of the main artists of neoconcretism, and 1967, created a performance-institution in which the public interacted with a cubic structure, made of plastic wrap, egg -shaped.
When tearing the membrane and leaving the structure, The participant experiences a birth and liberation experience, directly evoking the concepts of renewal present in Easter.
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The performance was recorded on video and is part of the Lygia Pape project collection, being also eventually staged in exhibitions in Brazil and abroad.
“Cosmic egg” (1980) – Regina Vater
In this work, The Minas Gerais artist Regina Vater uses the egg symbol as a starting point to reflect on natural cycles and existential transformations.
The broken shell refers to both birth and the idea of a universe in constant expansion.
The work integrates collections of temporary exhibitions and private collections by Brazil.
“Cristo” (2001) – Alfredo Coelho
In this contemporary work, The Braille artist Alfredo Coelho represents the figure of Christ with intense and emotional features, exploring the pain and hope that involve passion.
The artist mixes traditional technical and experimentation, resulting in a symbolic image of compassion and renewal.
“Last Supper” (2020) – Henrique do Vale
The artist in this work revisits the classic theme of the last supper with a contemporary look. His work dialogues with current social and political issues, reflecting on collectivity, Sacrifice and permanence of rituals.
Rereading aims to provoke the public to consider the role of faith and memory today.
The work is often displayed in exhibitions in Brazil, including Galleries in Belo Horizonte, can also be seen in cultural spaces in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
The artistic representations of Easter, from Renaissance painters to Brazilian contemporaries, reveal the depth and diversity of interpretations on themes of faith, Renewal and Life.
For those who have curiosity and interest in seeing these works closely, Many of them are exposed in museums and galleries accessible to the public.
Planning a visit to works that have a strong influence on the artistic scene can be an enriching experience.
In addition, Other works can be visited in large urban centers, such as, for example, São Paulo and Belo Horizonte.
To facilitate access to the city's museums, consider bus tickets It is a practical and economic option to move between cities and states, facilitating access to these artistic treasures.
Text prepared by the Conversion team.