The Deposition of Christ by Pontormo: Gem of Mannerism in Florence

When understood in Florence near Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), as has happened to me in these days, a step almost obligatory for me is the church of Santa Felicita. During a lesson on unversitaria Pontormo, restless genius of Mannerism, I discovered that this small Florentine church retains one of his most valuable: the altarpiece depicting the Deposition of Christ. The interior rather gloomy makes it impossible to appreciate better the vibrant shades of colors used by Pontormo. For this advice to those who go to visit it to take advantage of the machine at the ready. Placing a euro turns on the lights of the chapel where the work is exposed and you start an explanation on this church in Florence and his masterpiece.

The scene is crowded with figures that barely occupy almost the entire background, rather indistinct. If the terms are dramatic as it agrees to a similar subject, the positions are as unrealistic for the two angels who argue on tiptoe, even had two dancers of La Scala, the body of Christ feel without the weight. If the postures are unnatura, the shapes and colors are artificial too, such as drapery are embossed in metal colors changing abruptly.


And to those who know and appreciate this work I can only advise to see Ricotta of Pier Paolo Pasolini, part of Rogopag film, in which the director recreates a tableau vivant inspired his deposition to the Pontormo of which I would propose that a piece I found on Youtube.



Restando in ambito cinematografico eccovi un altro titolo di un film dedicato interamente a questo pittore: Pontormo - un amore eretico di Giovanni Fago. Buona visione a tutti!