BATTISTA FRANCO (CIRCA 1510-1561) AFTER MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI (1475-1564)

The subject of the present engraving by Battista Franco is based on one of the four presentation drawings given by Michelangelo to his friend and mentor, the poet Vittoria Colonna (1492-1547). It was probably produced with the help of a faithful, contemporary copy, perhaps made specifically for this purpose, rather than the original drawing itself.
Also known as Cristo Vivo, this motif became a seminal devotional image of the period. Christ is depicted still alive, in the moment of his sacrifice, his eyes cast towards Heaven. His tormented body, writhing in agony on the cross, recalls the struggling, twisted figure of Laocoon.