Jean-Francois De Troy – The Resurrection Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

The composition presents a dramatic scene unfolding within a darkened, rocky landscape. At its apex, a figure ascends, bathed in a soft, diffused light that emanates from above and behind him. He is depicted with a fair complexion, his hair long and wavy, and he holds aloft a staff or banner, seemingly directing his ascent. Drapery, rendered in warm tones of orange and red, swirls around him, suggesting movement and divine power.
Below this central figure lies an open tomb from which the ascending individual appears to be emerging. A group of Roman soldiers are clustered around the tomb, their postures conveying shock, fear, and disorientation. Their armor is detailed, yet rendered in a somewhat hasty manner, emphasizing the chaotic nature of the event they witness. Some fall backward, others clutch at their heads, while one soldier lies prone on the ground, seemingly incapacitated. The artist has employed a limited palette dominated by earth tones – browns, greys, and ochres – which contribute to the somber atmosphere.
The arrangement suggests a narrative moment of profound significance: an event that disrupts established order and challenges human understanding. The soldiers’ reactions are crucial; they represent not just physical defeat but also a spiritual crisis. Their bewilderment underscores the miraculous nature of what is occurring, highlighting the power of the ascending figure. The darkness surrounding the scene serves to isolate the central action, intensifying its impact and creating an atmosphere of awe and mystery.
The composition’s vertical format lends itself to a sense of elevation and transcendence, reinforcing the spiritual implications of the depicted event. The artists use of light and shadow further emphasizes this dynamic, drawing the viewers eye upward towards the figure ascending into the unknown.