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Annibale Carracci

Christ of Caprarola

1597
Etching, with engraving and drypoint, on ivory laid paper
12.4 × 16 cm (4.9 × 6.3 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Although not found in the canonical gospels, the Lamentation over the dead body of Christ was a popular subject in Catholic Italy during the 16th century. Annibale Carracci himself painted it no less than six times. This print, which marks his return to printmaking after a brief hiatus, signals a mature use of the medium of etching to give immediacy to a familiar theme. By employing an unusually fine etching tool as well as the drypoint technique, the artist produced shimmering lines that emphasize the mood of agitated mourning. The title refers to the small city of Caprarola, 50 miles from Rome, where Carracci executed and signed the print.

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More by Annibale Carracci

Two Children Teasing a CatTwo Children Teasing a CatBoy DrinkingBoy DrinkingSaint John the Baptist Bearing WitnessSaint John the Baptist Bearing WitnessThe Coronation of the VirginThe Coronation of the VirginThe Burial of ChristThe Burial of ChristStudies for a Figure of Saint Francis Kneeling in a Three-Quarter View and for His Hands (recto); Studies for a Figure of Saint Francis Kneeling in Profile (verso)Studies for a Figure of Saint Francis Kneeling in a Three-QuBack View of a Seated Nude Youth Facing LeftBack View of a Seated Nude Youth Facing LeftSeated Youth Facing Right, Seen from the BackSeated Youth Facing Right, Seen from the Back

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