The Resurrection Bartholomeus Breenbergh (1598-1657)

Here we observe a vertical composition dominated by a central figure ascending through a swirling vortex of light and shadow. The upper portion is filled with a warm, amber-toned atmosphere, suggesting divine presence and transcendence. A man, seemingly nude save for a loincloth, rises powerfully, holding aloft a banner bearing a cross. His posture conveys triumph and liberation, while the billowing drapery around him emphasizes his ascent. Small faces are embedded within the luminous cloudscape, potentially representing souls or celestial witnesses to this event.
Below, the scene shifts dramatically in tone and detail. The lower portion is shrouded in darkness, punctuated by figures reacting to the spectacle above. Three individuals occupy this space; one prostrates himself with an expression of anguish, his body contorted in a gesture of despair or reverence. Another figure lies prone on the ground, clad in military attire, suggesting defeat and vulnerability. A third individual, seemingly an angel, sits calmly amidst the turmoil. The angel’s serene countenance contrasts sharply with the emotional distress of those below; their wings are rendered with meticulous detail, highlighting their ethereal nature.
The artist has employed a strong chiaroscuro effect to heighten the drama. The intense contrast between light and dark draws attention to the central figures ascension while simultaneously emphasizing the suffering and awe experienced by those witnessing it. The limited palette – primarily earth tones punctuated by the white of the angel’s garments and the vibrant colors of the banner – contributes to a sense of solemnity and spiritual weight.
The composition suggests a narrative of profound transformation, where earthly limitations are overcome through divine intervention. The fallen soldier may symbolize the vanquishing of death, while the prostrate figure embodies repentance or recognition of a higher power. The angel’s presence acts as an intermediary between the celestial realm and the human world, embodying hope and solace in the face of adversity. The overall effect is one of intense emotionality and spiritual revelation, conveyed through carefully orchestrated light, shadow, and gesture.