Hidden for centuries, a remarkable piece of Renaissance art by Andrea Mantegna has resurfaced, capturing the attention of the art world.
The Deposition, a profound depiction of the lifeless body cradled by grieving figures, was rediscovered in the Sanctuary of Pompeii, where it had remained lost for over 500 years.
This long-forgotten masterpiece, now confirmed as Mantegna’s work, offers a rare glimpse into the artist’s unparalleled style at the height of his career. From its sensational discovery in Pompeii to its painstaking restoration, the journey of this rediscovered treasure is as intriguing as the painting itself. This article delves into the fascinating story behind the painting’s unearthing, its artistic significance, and the ongoing efforts to unveil its full history.
Uncovering a Lost Treasure
The lifeless body dominates the scene, wrapped in a shroud and supported by grieving men. Mary is depicted at the center, in shadows, folded in on herself. To the right, Mary Magdalene lifts her face to the sky, crying out in sorrow, her face streaked with tears. In the background, the sunset light illuminates the monuments of a Jerusalem reminiscent of ancient Rome, complete with a Pantheon.
This Deposition, rediscovered a few years ago in the Sanctuary of Pompeii, is the work of Andrea Mantegna (1431-1506), and from Thursday, the 20th, it will be on display at the Vatican Museums' gallery in Rome for several months.
A Curious Journey
Mantegna is a painter whose catalog has expanded in recent years thanks to some works found in the storage of museums. This last one, however, is undoubtedly the most sensational, especially considering the unusual place of discovery: Pompeii.
How did this Deposition end up there? The great Venetian painter never traveled to the South; he went as far as Rome in the years between 1488 and 1490, invited by Pontiff Innocent VIII to fresco the Belvedere Chapel in the Vatican Palaces (a cycle unfortunately destroyed).
The Rediscovery Process
So, how was this Deposition found? The humanist Pietro Summonte wrote in March 1524 to his friend Marcantonio Michiel that in Naples, in Santo Dominico, there was a cona (icon) by the hand of Mantegna, where Our Lord was taken down from the cross and placed on a sheet.
This letter, considered the main document on Neapolitan art of the Renaissance – and "the oldest compendium of Neapolitan art history" according to Julius von Schlosser – has been analyzed by some critics in the past. From these studies, Stefano De Mieri, a professor of Modern Art History at the Suor Orsola Benincasa University in Naples and a student of Roberto Longhi, started his investigation leading to the rediscovery of the painting.
After a meticulous visual examination and analysis, it was confirmed that the painting's quality and characteristics were consistent with Mantegna's style, indicating it was not a mere copy. Thanks to the collaboration of the Director of the Vatican Museums, Barbara Jatta, and support from Pompeii's authorities, the Deposition underwent restoration at the Vatican laboratories, showcasing the artist's hand at the peak of his career.
A New Chapter
Through careful research, De Mieri hypothesizes that the Deposition was once part of the decoration of the apse chapel of San Domenico Maggiore in Naples and was potentially commissioned by King Frederick I of Naples. Further investigations are ongoing to uncover the full history of the painting, which seemingly vanished by 1500 due to various circumstances.
Today, as the artwork is being prepared for display at the Vatican Museums and then its permanent place at the Pompeii Sanctuary Museum, the rediscovery of Mantegna's masterpiece adds another extraordinary chapter to the rich history of Pompeii.
