The Deposition 

The Limbourg brothers made this illumination of the Deposition in France in the early 15th century. The image shows Christ being taken down from the cross, surrounded by mourning figures. Painted for the Duke of Berry, this miniature formed part of a lavishly decorated prayer book, or Book of Hours. The Limbourg brothers worked for the highest levels of society. Their art speaks to the culture of courtly patronage in the late medieval period. The image creates meaning through a visual code, associating wealth, power, and religious devotion. The figures are clad in luxurious fabrics, and the colours are vibrant. At the foot of the cross, a woman faints, overcome by grief. She is attended by other figures who are clearly of high status. By studying patronage records, social histories, and religious texts, we can understand how art was used to reinforce social structures and express religious beliefs. The meaning of this image is contingent on the historical context in which it was made and viewed.