The risen Christ

Marco Palmezzano's Risen Christ presents the triumphant post-Resurrection Christ in the traditional display posture with wounds visible as evidence of sacrifice now transfigured. Palmezzano, the Forlì-based painter who was a close associate of Melozzo da Forlì, produced devotional works across a remarkably long career spanning from the 1480s to the 1530s. His persistent loyalty to the style established in his formative years under Melozzo's influence gave his late works an archaic dignity. This Risen Christ demonstrates his careful handling of the difficult subject of divine humanity — the body bearing wounds yet radiating heavenly glory — with the theological clarity his devotional patrons required.

The devotional composition is rendered with attention to the expressive and contemplative qualities that served the painting's function as an aid to prayer and meditation.