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Shroud Images - Painting Madonna dei Laghi Sanctuary

candle Sacred art

Jesus wrapped in th… Jesus wrapped in the Shroud - detail - https://madonnadeilaghi.it

Jesus wrapped in the Shroud - detail - https://madonnadeilaghi.it

Corso Laghi, 278, 10051 Avigliana

Author: Unknown
Object: Painting
Subject: Deposition from the Cross
Chronology: Early 17th century
Material and technique: Oil on canvas
Location: Sanctuary of Madonna dei Laghi - Avigliana

Brief description:
The large canvas depicts the moment of the deposition of Christ's body from the cross. At the foot of the large wooden cross, to which two ladders have been placed to facilitate the heavy task of removal, lies the body already wrapped in the shroud which, according to Christian tradition, will capture the negative image of Jesus' body. In the foreground, there is a skull, symbolizing the place of death, and the nails of the passion used to crucify the body to the cross. In the background, an individual can be seen preparing the tomb that will host the body wrapped in linen.

Historical-critical notes:
The manner in which the body is wrapped in the shroud suggests knowledge of the Turin Shroud by the painter; the cloth is indeed turned from head to feet and not vice versa. It can be hypothesized that the canvas in question was donated by Duke Carlo Emanuele I, who had a special regard for the sanctuary of Avigliana, to which he also donated a large wooden polyptych.
Moreover, under his duchy, several expositions of the Shroud were held, proving that this most important relic was used by the Savoy family to testify to their divine legitimacy to govern.

Essential bibliography:
Various Authors, The Shroud West of the Alps - Documents and testimonies, Turin 1978.