The painting is done on the wood that looks like the upper side of the cross and was possibly an altarpiece. We can see the moment when crucified Jesus' body is taken down from the cross. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus are holding him. Virgin Mary, his mother is fainting underneath him, while John the Evangelist supports her. On his side are Mary Cleophas and Mary Salome, the Virgin Mary's younger sisters. Behind Joseph of Arimathea is a bearded man, probably his servant, and on the right side of the picture Mary Magdalene, visibly upset.

All of the people surrounding Jesus' body, including the one taking him off the cross, are morose, inspecting the scene with broken looks in their eyes. The background is done in gold and the colors are vivid and strong.

The reason I like this piece of art is the emotions shown on it and the details on people's faces; the whole scene is painted with an extreme sense of sadness, and it awakens feelings of distress. I also like the intense colors and the contrast between them.

The characteristics of the Renaissance period that can be seen at this piece of are

strong realism and three-dimensionality which can be observed in the way bodies and the drapery are painted, with all the details.
the return of strong Biblical topics, but more in description of virtues and human destiny than the other-wordly God's effect.
the strong presence of emotions and the precision put into the details that present them. We can see how the artists show tears on most of the faces, painting each one unique and with strong precision and care.

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3 years ago