The artwork, titled “Burial of Saint Lucy,” is an oil painting on canvas created by the artist Caravaggio in 1608. It is an exemplar of the Baroque art movement, characterized by its dramatic use of light and shadow. The painting measures 408 by 300 centimetres and belongs to the genre of religious paintings. It is currently housed in the Bellomo Palace Museum in Syracuse, Italy.
The artwork depicts a poignant and somber moment, capturing the burial scene of Saint Lucy. The composition features a group of mourners clustered around the body of Saint Lucy. Two robust figures dominate the foreground, engaged in the act of digging her grave, their muscles accentuated by the play of light, which highlights the intensity and labor of the moment. The center of the painting is illuminated, drawing attention to the fallen saint, her serene, lifeless form lying on the ground, partially covered by a shroud. Around her, mourners are absorbed in their grief, their expressions and gestures profoundly conveying sorrow and solemnity. To the right, a priest in his vestments and other figures in the background further add to the gravity of the scene. The use of dark, earthy tones throughout the painting, coupled with the dramatic lighting, creates a powerful contrast, emphasizing the sanctity and tragedy of the event depicted.
