The Descent from the Cross c. 1485

Bernardino Butinone's "The Descent from the Cross" (c. 1485) depicts the moment when Christ's body is lowered from the cross. The scene is set against a rocky landscape with a distant cityscape, providing a dramatic and emotional backdrop for the event. The figures, rendered with expressive detail, are depicted in a moment of profound grief and reverence as they witness the final moments of Christ's earthly life. Butinone's masterful use of color and light creates a sense of depth and solemnity, making this small-scale painting a powerful and moving depiction of a pivotal moment in Christian history.