Large Cast Iron Bas-relief - Guglielmo Della Porta - The Deposition Of Christ - Renaissance - 19th Century

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Large cast iron bas-relief, the Descent from the Cross after Della Porta, 19th century

The Descent from the Cross is one of Guglielmo Della Porta's (1515-1577) best documented compositions. An autograph marble version is in the collections of the Castello Sforzesco in Milan, and the existence of number of drawings in one of Guglielmo sketchbooks now in the Kunstmuseum Düsseldorf, demonstrates the artist's interest in this composition. This popular subject has been reproduced on many materials: terracotta, bronze, wood or stucco. It is here an iron cast model, made in 19th century.

This composition thus depicts the moment when the body of Jesus is lowered from the cross, which looms empty in the background. His muscular lifeless body, held by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus lies in calm repose at the center of a storm of grief. Mary Magdalene, recognizable by her unbound and unveiled hair, leans sharply forward to kiss Christ's left wrist, while the Virgin Mary falls back in a faint into the arms of three saint women and Saint John. Great sweeps of drapery augment the impassioned responses of the figures.
Four other onlookers stand to the sides, of which two are roman soldiers. The one of the left wears a cuirass and a lion skin on his helmet, and the one of the right, wearing an à la Minerva helmet, holds a spear in his right hand, what indicates he is probably Saint Longinus. In the background the two thieves, their bodies naked and twisted, still hang on their crosses.

Very good condition, a little hole in the lower left corner and spots of oxidization on the lower part of the frame. On the back a few little lacks of matter. Stains of white paint on the right edge.     ⚠️   Weight: 23kg   ⚠️