The Lamentation over Christ

Giotto di Bondone (c. 1267–1337) — c. 1304–1306 · Fresco · Arena (Scrovegni) Chapel, Padua

“And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.” — John 19:38 (KJV)

About

Giotto painted this fresco about 1305 in Padua's Arena Chapel: the body of Christ lowered to the ground, Mary cradling His head, the Marys and John bending close, angels tearing through a blue sky in grief. Below, a bare rocky slope drives the eye to the faces.

The Meaning

This is the moment between cross and resurrection when hope looked finished. Giotto's invention was to make the grief entirely human — slumped backs, open mouths, a sky full of wailing angels — so every mourner since can find themselves in the frame.

For Us Today

Grief is not unbelief — the people who loved Jesus most stood weeping at His body. Bring your sorrow to Him honestly; the God who recorded this grief understands yours (John 11:35).

Image: Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons — the file’s page. Tap the picture to open the full-size original there.