Collantes, Francisco – Visión de Ezequiel: la resurrección de la carne Part 2 Prado Museum

The composition presents a dramatic scene unfolding amidst extensive architectural ruin. A central figure, distinguished by his age and flowing blue robes, dominates the foreground. He stands with one arm raised in what appears to be either benediction or admonishment, while his other hand gestures towards an unseen point beyond the viewers perspective. His face is deeply lined, conveying a sense of profound experience and perhaps sorrow.
Below him sprawls a throng of figures, rendered in varying degrees of emaciation and distress. Many are unclothed, their bodies exhibiting signs of suffering – skeletal frames, sunken eyes, and expressions of anguish. A scattering of skulls lies amongst them, reinforcing the theme of mortality and decay. The arrangement suggests a mass rising from or being released from this state of degradation.
The background is characterized by a turbulent sky filled with dark clouds, punctuated by patches of light that suggest an impending storm or divine intervention. Fragments of classical architecture – columns, arches, and remnants of what were once grand structures – are visible throughout the scene, further emphasizing the sense of loss and destruction. The ruins are overgrown with vegetation, hinting at the passage of time and nature’s reclamation of human endeavors.
The artists use of light is particularly noteworthy. It focuses primarily on the central figure and illuminates portions of the suffering crowd, creating a stark contrast between hope and despair. This selective illumination draws attention to the potential for redemption or salvation offered by the older man.
Subtly, the scene evokes themes of judgment, resurrection, and the fragility of human existence. The ruined architecture could symbolize the decline of earthly power and glory, while the figures represent humanity’s vulnerability in the face of divine forces. The central figures gesture implies a pivotal moment – a promise or warning related to their fate. The overall effect is one of solemnity and contemplation, prompting reflection on mortality, faith, and the enduring nature of hope amidst devastation.