Description
The painting Deposition Diptych (Small Deposition, left wing) by the artist Hugo Van Der Va is a masterpiece of Gothic art from the 15th century. The piece was created in oil on panel and its original size is 53.3 x 38.3 cm. This painting is part of a diptych, the other part of the work is in the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The artistic style of the work is typical of the late Gothic, with great attention to detail and meticulous brushwork technique. The composition of the painting is impressive, with a large number of figures represented in different planes and levels of depth. The figure of Christ lies in the center of the work, surrounded by his followers and his mother Mary. The scene is dramatic and emotional, with a large number of facial expressions that reflect the pain and sadness of the characters.
Color is another interesting aspect of the work. Dark, earthy tones dominate the palette, creating a gloomy and melancholic atmosphere. However, there are touches of bright color in the clothing of the characters and in the details of the architecture in the background, adding an interesting contrast to the work.
The history of painting is fascinating. It was commissioned by the Van der Burcht family in Bruges, Belgium, and is believed to have been created around 1435. The work has passed through many hands over the centuries, including private collectors and museums. In 2013, the painting was stolen from the Lille Art Museum in France, but it was recovered in 2016.
A little-known aspect of the work is that it was restored in the 1950s, revealing details that had been hidden for centuries. The restoration also made it possible to correct some areas damaged by time and exposure.
In conclusion, the painting Deposition Diptych (Small Deposition, left wing) by Hugo Van Der Va is a masterpiece of late Gothic art. Its artistic style, composition, color, and fascinating history make it a must-have for any art lover.