Descent from the Cross 1637

"Descent from the Cross" is a 1637 oil painting by Spanish Baroque artist Jusepe de Ribera. It depicts the moment after Jesus's crucifixion, as his body is lowered from the cross and laid upon a white cloth. The composition is dramatic, with the figures of Christ, Mary, and Joseph of Arimathea arranged in a pyramid shape. The painting is characterized by its intense realism and emotional power, with stark chiaroscuro and detailed anatomical studies. Ribera's work is known for its stark realism, which is evident in the depiction of Christ's wounds and the agony of the mourners. The painting is a powerful meditation on the suffering and sacrifice of Christ.