Resurrection, c. 1455
Dieric Bouts
Flemish, c.1420-1475
Distemper on linen
35-3/8 x 29-1/4 in. (89.9 x 74.3 cm)
The Norton Simon Foundation
F.1980.1.P
© 2010 The Norton Simon Foundation
On view
One of the leading artists of his generation, Bouts favored a contemplative approach to painting that conveyed an austere and powerful spirituality. Christ rises from the tomb with an imposing, vertical dignity. The drama and tumult of the moment are stilled by His intent gaze and by the rigid order of the composition. The scene unfolds in front of a wide, placid expanse of land, constructed with a surprising knowledge of luminous, atmospheric perspective.
The Resurrection formed a part of a now dismantled altarpiece. The medium, distemper on unprimed linen, allowed the altarpiece to be lightweight and portable. It is quite rare for a fragile object like this one to have survived in such pristine condition.
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