The Entombment of Christ

Ugolino di Nerio (active c. 1317–1327) was a leading Sienese painter and direct follower of Duccio di Buoninsegna. This 'Entombment of Christ' from around 1330, now at the Gemaldegalerie Berlin, likely formed part of a large polyptych altarpiece depicting scenes from Christ's Passion. Ugolino's treatment of the subject reflects the Sienese emphasis on emotional expressiveness and lyrical color that distinguished it from the more monumental Florentine approach of Giotto's followers.

Executed in egg tempera and gold leaf on wood panel, the painting features the luminous color harmonies and refined linear elegance characteristic of the Sienese school. The mourning figures' graceful yet expressive gestures are defined by fluid contour lines against the sacred gold ground.