Description

According to Christian belief, three days after his death by crucifixion, Christ rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. König’s interpretation of this traditional theme employs vivid colors and explosive poses to express the drama of the event. Meticulous brushwork delineates exquisite details, and draws attention to the luminous landscape and the three holy women hastening towards Christ’s vacant tomb.

Provenance

Count Joseph Franz Anton Wunibald Andreas Saturnin, Truchseß [Steward] zu Waldburg-Zeil-Wurzach [1748–1813], Cologne, Wurzach and Vienna by 1796, until 1813 (until 1813); Among 81 paintings purchased from the Truchsessian collection by Ludwig I, Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt and Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine [1753–1830] (between 1814 and 1820); Presented by Ludwig I to the Großherzogliches Museum, Darmstadt, 1820 (1820); Deaccessioned from the Großherzogliches Museum, Darmstadt, between 1830 and 1854 (1830-1854); Collection Wilhelm Kreis [1873–1955], Düsseldorf, probably by the 1920s (by 1920s); Bequeathed by Wilhelm Kreis to his nephew and godson, Helmut Arntz [1912–2007] (1955-2007); By descent to his son, Joachim Arntz, by whom sold (2007-2012); (Lempertz, Cologne, November 17, 2012, no. 1126, sold to a consortium of dealers including Konrad Bernheimer [Colnaghi] and Otto Naumann) (2012); (Colnaghi, London / Bernheimer Fine Old Masters, Munich [2014]) (2012-2014)