Mary Salomé from the Mourning over the dead Christ

myminifactory

One of the Renaissance art masterpieces is undoubtedly Niccolò dell'Arca's Lamentation of the Dead Christ, a group of full-figured terracotta sculptures bursting with strong expressiveness. Located in Bologna, Italy, in the church of Santa Maria della Vita. Niccoló dell'Arca was first mentioned in September 1462 in Bologna as Maestro Nicolò da Puglia, a master craftsman known for his terracotta figures. This mention likely refers to the "Compianto sul Cristo morto" terracotta group in the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita in Bologna (also mentioned in a Bull of 1464 by Pope Paul II). A life-size group of six separate figures stand lamenting in a semicircle around the dead Christ, who lies on his back. The dramatic pathos and expressions of grief and torment on the figures' faces are intensified by their realistic facial details. However, the date of this innovative contribution to Renaissance sculpture is uncertain, with some sources dating it between 1485 and 1490 instead of c. 1460. The original painted figures in the sculptural group have now faded away, but their powerfully expressive quality remains, reminiscent of Northern Gothic art. The figures represent those who were present at Christ's entombment, although the Biblical accounts are not entirely consistent. Present in this grouping from left to right are Joseph of Arimathea, Mary (Salome—the mother of John the Evangelist), the Virgin Mary, John, Mary (of Cleophas—Mother of James the Lesser), and Mary Magdalen. The grief of Mary Salome is communicated through her faltering position, as if she's sinking into the ground. Like the open mouths of the other women, hers is releasing a cry of pain.