Flemish mid-16th century - A Flemish alabaster relief of the Entombment, mid 16th century

Flemish mid-16th century

A Flemish alabaster relief of the Entombment, mid 16th century

Alabaster with minimal remains of presumably original polychromy and partial gilding. This high relief plaque depicts the entombment of Christ. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus are shown lowering the body of the Saviour into the sarcophagus using a cloth. The mourning Virgin Mary is supported by Saint John, and Mary Magdalene is depicted with the ointment jar accompanied by two further women. The broad, rectangular format of the plaque suggests that it may once have adorned the predella of an altar. In the elongated proportions of the figure of Christ and the sarcophagus, as well as its decoration, the Flemish artist displays the influence of older Italian models.
Wear with losses to the edges. 24.5 x 55 x 5 cm.