Christ of Caprarola

Although not found in the canonical gospels, the Lamentation over the dead body of Christ was a popular subject in Catholic Italy during the 16th century. Annibale Carracci himself painted it no less than six times. This print, which marks his return to printmaking after a brief hiatus, signals a mature use of the medium of etching to give immediacy to a familiar theme. By employing an unusually fine etching tool as well as the drypoint technique, the artist produced shimmering lines that emphasize the mood of agitated mourning. The title refers to the small city of Caprarola, 50 miles from Rome, where Carracci executed and signed the print.