The Deposition 1520 - 1530

Sebald Beham created this stained glass roundel, "The Deposition," around the 1530s. The composition is dominated by a central circle, within which the deposition scene unfolds, framed by white circles against a dark background, creating a striking contrast. The inner circle itself is carefully structured, with the figures arranged to draw the eye towards the pale, slumped body of Christ. Beham uses a muted palette of blues, reds, and yellows to evoke a somber mood. The texture of the glass adds a tactile quality, enhancing the emotional impact of the scene. This roundel operates on several levels. The circular form evokes wholeness, but the fragmented narrative suggests brokenness and loss. The arrangement challenges fixed perspectives and invites contemplation on themes of sacrifice and redemption. In its semiotic structure, the artwork uses familiar religious iconography yet reconfigures it within a distinctively personal and artistic framework, challenging the viewer to reconsider established interpretations.