Man of Sorrows - Filippo Lippi

A devotional image by Filippo Lippi, 'Man of Sorrows' is a tempera on panel painting from the Early Renaissance. The work depicts Christ flanked by religious figures, rendered in muted tones with gold trim.

This tempera on panel painting, titled 'Man of Sorrows', is attributed to Filippo Lippi, an Italian artist of the Early Renaissance. The work presents a devotional image, a common subject in 15th-century Italian art, intended to inspire contemplation on the suffering of Christ. Lippi's style is characterised by its blend of realism and elegance, a hallmark of Florentine painting during this period. The composition is divided into three arched sections. The central panel depicts Christ as the 'Man of Sorrows', his head bowed and hands crossed, emerging from a tomb. Flanking him are two figures: to the left, a monk in a brown habit, and to the right, a figure in a red robe and hat, possibly representing a cardinal or another religious figure. The figures are rendered with careful attention to detail, from the folds of their garments to the expressions on their faces. The colour palette is dominated by muted tones of brown, red, and grey, which contribute to the solemn mood of the piece. The gold trim around the arches adds a touch of opulence, typical of religious art from this era. The background is a simple, textured surface, allowing the figures to take centre stage.