Lamentation over Christ’s Body

Becoming increasingly unconventional, António Vaz showed some modernity by accompanying the transformations that were taking place in the mid-16th century, with his language displaying a notable evolution in this Lamentation over Christ’s Body, painted at an unknown date for the Franciscan monastery of Orgens, close to Viseu. The pious figures are dominated by an almost pathetic theatricality. The dark nature of the painting and the acidity of the colours, the expressionistic features of the figures dominated by their emotions. are all aspects that were displayed in this final period and enable us to assess the stylistic development of António Vaz.
The theme of the Lamentation over Christ’s Body is depicted on the large-sized panel, while St. Cosmas, St. Blaise and St. Damian are represented on the predella.
The figures are arranged in a rigorously triangular composition around Christ’s body: St. John, who is holding him; Mary Magdalene at his feet; the Virgin Mary, who is holding his hand; and two visibly upset holy women.