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Gerard Seghers , Flemish, 1591-1651

Title

The Lamentation of Christ

Datec.1630-1635

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions

168.5 x 241.5 cm

Credit LinePresented, Alexander Dowds and Vivian Gardiner of Coolcreen, County Kerry, 2014

Object numberNGI.2014.1

DescriptionAngels present Christ's crucified body to his mourning mother, while Mary Magdalen kneels beside. This moving work was long thought to be by Seghers' fellow Fleming, Van Dyck, owing to the refined gestures and silvery palette. Closely observed detail and strong lighting recall Seghers' earlier career as a Caravaggist, while Christ's classicised body recalls his later admiration for Rubens. The painting was in a private collection for many years, then a local church, at Shudy Camps, Cambridgeshire. Almost discarded due to its poor condition, the painting was rescued by donors and has been restored by sensitive conservation.

Presented, Alexander Dowds and Vivian Gardiner of Coolcreen County Kerry, 2014. NGI.2014.1
LabelAngels present Christ's crucified body to his mourning mother, while Mary Magdalen kneels beside. This moving work was long thought to be by Seghers' fellow Fleming, Van Dyck, owing to the refined gestures and silvery palette. Closely observed detail and strong lighting recall Seghers' earlier career as a Caravaggist, while Christ's classicised body recalls his later admiration for Rubens. The painting was in a private collection for many years, then a local church, at Shudy Camps, Cambridgeshire. Almost discarded due to its poor condition, the painting was rescued by donors and has been restored by sensitive conservation.




Presented, Alexander Dowds and Vivian Gardiner of Coolcreen, County Kerry, 2014. NGI.2014.1ProvenanceProbably Dayrell family, Shudy Camps Park, Shudy Camps, Cambridgeshire; Canon Thornton, who probably purchased the painting with Shudy Camps Park, and who left it to St Mary's Church, Shudy Camps, around 1922; bought by Alexander Dowds and Vivian Gardiner, Shudy Camps Park, from St Mary's Church around 1980; presented, Alexander Dowds and Vivian Gardiner of Coolcreen, County Kerry, 2014Exhibition HistoryNew Perspectives. Acquisitions 2011 - 2020, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, 11 May - 2 August 2021