Descent, Or Deposition From The Cross, Italy 16th C.

Oil on curved poplar panel (panel and frame are one) representing the Descent from the Cross. Very popular iconographic theme concerning Jesus after the Crucifixion. If the Gospels, after his death, dwell on his burial by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, they say nothing about the descent of his body from the cross. Here, we can even speak of Pietà showing Mary holding the dead Jesus in her arms, of a Lamentation or Lamentations over the dead Christ. The Descent from the Cross takes place on the evening of the Crucifixion. The body is wrapped in a shroud, and taken to Golgotha. The number of people present remains unknown, but the presence of Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus and of course Mary is beyond doubt. According to the artists, the apostle John, Mary Magdalene, a group of women accompanying Mary and her sisters, servants, a crowd of faithful, and the two thieves are represented. We see two turbaned figures holding nails and a hammer in the background on the left, and one of the angels probably carries the chalice having received the blood of Christ. Italy, Tuscany, 16th c.