Lamentation Sculptural Group
A Renaissance masterpiece at the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista
Housed in the San Giovanni Evangelista Church locally known as San Giovannino, the Lamentation over the Dead Christ is one of Emilia's most important Renaissance terracotta sculptural groups.
Created in the second half of the 15th century for the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre in the Church of San Francesco, the work originally formed part of the moving Good Friday ceremonies organised by the Confraternity of the Battuti.
Following the Napoleonic suppressions, the group was moved several times before reaching its present location.
Comprising seven figures gathered around the body of Christ, the Lamentation is admired for the remarkable emotional intensity of its faces and gestures.
The sorrow of the Virgin Mary and Saint John is conveyed with extraordinary expressive power, making the work one of the most compelling examples of Renaissance sculpture in Emilia.
Created by more than one artist and enriched with later additions, the sculptural group continues to fascinate both visitors and scholars thanks to its complex history and outstanding artistic value.
Contacts
Piazzetta San Giovanni - 42121 Reggio Emilia (RE)
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