Museum of the Bible in Washington DC has a beautiful exhibition, Descent from the Cross. This exhibition explores how 21 artists across five centuries, multiple genres, and mixed media have visualized the scene in The Gospel of John, chapter 19, the moment Jesus is removed from the cross. This moment, traditionally called “Deposition” or “Descent from the Cross,” is not described in the Bible. There are no details explaining the process or who was present. Because of this, artists across the centuries have interpreted this emotional moment in unique and varying ways, each filling in the blanks with what they think might have happened. It has become a popular scene in art history, and thus a part of our shared visual language.

The earliest-known renderings of the scene appeared in the ninth century and soon became part of a cycle through the life of Christ and his passion, later known as the Stations of the Cross. But perhaps the most influential depiction was painted by Flemish master painter Rogier van der Weyden in 1435. The unique shape of the composition and the cramped “box” that the characters occupy create a theatrical look, like that of a stage play or a diorama. The sharp angles and rich details reflect the late Gothic, early Renaissance styles of northern Europe, and the crossbows seen in the corners honor the patron of this piece, the Leuven Guild of Archers.

Museum of the Bible

You can see the exhibit virtually at the Museum’s website by clicking the button below.

Image credit: Descent from the Cross | Rogier van der Weyden, ca. 1435 | Museo del Prado, Madrid | PD-US