Netherlandish School, circa 1520, The Lamentation

Netherlandish School, circa 1520

The Lamentation

Oil on panel. 123 x 86 cm. Provenance

West German private ownership. - Lempertz auction 552, 14.06.1976, lot 155. - German private ownership.

Repetition of the central panel of the altar piece with the "Lamentation" by Quentin Massys from 1511 (Antwerp, Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten, inv. 245).

This work depicts several scenes taking place simultaneously: In the background we see Christ's deposition from the cross on Mount Calvary whilst His body is anointed in the foreground. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea hold Christ's body whilst Mary Magdalene kneels ready with the ointment jar at his feet. The Virgin is shown in the centre of the work supported by Saint John. The grave is prepared on the right edge of the image and in the background we see the silhouette of the city of Jerusalem.