Visual Art Analysis: The Resurrection By Francesco Buoneri

Tanya Macias

Intro to Visual Arts

Mrs. Katherine Jost

06 October 2015

The Resurrection

The Resurrection was made by Francesco Buoneri, known as Cecco del Caravaggio around 1619-20. The oil on canvas painting was commission by a Tuscan ambassador. Its new permeant home is in the Art Institute in Chicago. I chose to look at this painting for many different reason. The Resurrection is an amazing painting that through basic size, composition, and theme that captured my attention.

First, the size of the painting drew me in before all. It measures at 339.1 by 199.5 cm, surrounded by a large golden frame. The size alone is enough to bring in any person passing by. Once getting close, the really wonder happened. The story told by the painting

is about the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus, an angel, and five guards are the figures featured in the painting. Right away it’s easy to know why Francesco Buoneri’s nickname is Cecco del Caravaggio. The intense contrast lighting and shadows shown easily mimics the famous method of Caravaggio.
According to a passage in the Art Institute of Chicago Museum Studies, they talk about how
Caravaggio would “[set] his model in shallow interior spaces against a dark background…and illuminated them with a beam that cuts through the shadows. (Barter 160)” A method that clearly was adopted by Cecco. A method that makes a true impact. It brings a strange yet breathtaking picture that keeps your attention. Up close the intense detail is clearly seen right away. The realistic and smooth figures alone show what great painter Cecco was. Every fabric was painted so life like that it looks almost like a photographic shot rather than a painting.
Secondly, in the Resurrection composition plays a major role on what attracted me to the artwork. The first thing I noticed is the position of Jesus and the angel. Jesus stands tall up above all. No one stands higher than him. He is the main focal point in the whole painting, based on his position. The angel, who is holding the tombstone, stands upright near Jesus’ feet at more of a middle placement. He is neither up high nor down low on the ground. While the soldiers scatter in fear below on the ground. The arrangement of all the figures shows the higher ups like Jesus, followed by the angel, and the at the lowest point are the guards. Compared to the guard aren’t stand, but hunched over. The clear contrast by of those higher up is seen by the simple stance. Jesus is easy to spot of all the figures. He stands in an almost proud pose like a clean statue. The same applies to the angel. Though he isn't up high, the religious value can be seen in the stance as well. Unlike Jesus and the angel the guards are in more human like posture. That detail alone makes it seem more realistic.
Finally, the main theme behind the whole painting drew me in.

The main theme can simply be seen easily is religion. At first glance you can see why the title is so fitting. The Angel is seen pointing up while hold a tombstone, as if leading Jesus up. Jesus is shown above him pointing in the same direction almost as if talking about heaven. You can tell who Jesus is not only by his placement but by the cloth, light halo, and possible makes on his head from the thorn crown. The dramatic size as well gives it a religious feel. Cecco again shows he uncanny ability to resemble Caravaggio to build connection. Caravaggio’s work surround religion had the ability to provide “ direct communication..[and] establish” a bond “between the spectator and the sacred scene[s]” (Chorpenning 145).“When standing up close I felt that looking up I was another person there looking to where he is pointing. The dramatic scene is something to behold in person that is so interesting. The contrast of the angel and Jesus who are lighter than anyone else from the dark background make them stand out. The light sources that help bring in contrast is like a ray of light or even a spotlight light. The way the light falls helps reinforce the importance of Jesus and

angel.
All in all, the Resurrection has won a place as a hidden treasure in the Art Institute. Through it’s basic size, composition, and theme it has proven in my mind to be a truly amazing painting. Cecco created a work that has truly made an impact in the art world. And as showed by his painting, has created a great work that honored a great artist like Caravaggio. This epic piece of art work is one of many beautiful creation that are hung up high in my own backyard. Next time, if you stop on by Art Institute in Chicago be sure to say hello to this masterpiece.