This evocative early 18th-century oil painting depicts Christ in the tomb partially wrapped in a white linen shroud. It�s probably of Spanish origin.Images of Christ�s listless corpse laid out on cut rock have taken numerous forms over the years and are also referred to as �The Entombment of Christ� or �Dead Christ�. One of the earliest was produced by Hans Holbein the Younger between 1520 and 1522, and when seen in person, its grotesque sense of realism evokes a visceral reaction. Holbein�s is life-size with Christ�s head tilting outwards - mouth and eyes open. It�s jarring, as the suggestion of movement creates an unnerving juxtaposition of life and death.During the mid 17th century, French artist Philippe de Champaigne (1602-1674) rendered Christ with his head raised - open wounds gaping, with a bloodied crown of thorns resting against discoloured cloth. It�s equally disturbing due to its realism and seems to emit an ethereal glow.In ours, which appears to borrow from 17...