Descent from the Cross 1451 - 1483

This small, yet detailed painting by Girolamo da Cremona, created between 1451 and 1483, depicts the Descent from the Cross, a pivotal moment in the Passion of Christ. The scene showcases the meticulous detail characteristic of Renaissance art, with a focus on realistic human figures and their emotional responses to the event. The figures appear to be involved in the physical act of lowering Christ’s body from the cross, while a group of female mourners, likely representing the Virgin Mary and other followers, observe the event with grief. The landscape background, although simplified, provides context and depth, making the emotional impact of the scene more powerful. This small artwork, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases the artistic mastery of Girolamo da Cremona and the enduring power of this biblical scene.