DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.62819#0077
RUBENS.
5. The Descent from the Cross. The subject is composed
of nine sigures, and represents the body of the Saviour being
lowered from the cross, by the means of a sheet, by two men,
who are mounted on ladders, and bending over its transom;
one of them holds the linen in his mouth, while he lowers the
body with his right hand. They are assisted by Nicodemus
on one side, and Joseph of Arimathea on the other; both of
whom are also on the ladders. St. John, who is clothed in a
scarlet robe, stands below, receiving the body in his arms; on
his left are Mary Magdalen and Salome, on their knees,
extending their hands to aid him ; the former is attired in a
dark green vest, the latter in a purple one. Beyond them
stands the Virgin Mary, clothed in a blue mantle; her gesture
and expression mark her anxious solicitude. The gloom of
evening prevails, the multitude has departed, and none remain
but those performing the mournful duty, and whose love and
sorrow were mutual.
13 st. by 9 ft. 6 in.—P.
Engraved by Lucas Vosterman, and in mezzotinto by Vai-Green.
Upon the interior of the doors which cover the preceding
are painted :—
The Visitation of the Virgin to Elizabeth. The affec-
tionate interview is exhibited as taking place on the summit
of a ssight of steps, which form the entrance to a house, from
the door of which the aged Elizabeth is advancing; and, by
the movement of her hands, and the animation of her coun-
tenance, appears to be uttering the prophetic words—“ And
whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come
to me ?” To this mysterious salutation the Virgin, who stands
before her, leaning on the balustrade, is giving meek and pious
attention ; behind her are Zacharias and Joseph, grasping
each other’s hands; and near them is a fernale attendant,
mounting the steps, with a basket of linen on her head. A
man-servant, unloading an ass, is close to the front.
Engraved by P. de Jode.
5. The Descent from the Cross. The subject is composed
of nine sigures, and represents the body of the Saviour being
lowered from the cross, by the means of a sheet, by two men,
who are mounted on ladders, and bending over its transom;
one of them holds the linen in his mouth, while he lowers the
body with his right hand. They are assisted by Nicodemus
on one side, and Joseph of Arimathea on the other; both of
whom are also on the ladders. St. John, who is clothed in a
scarlet robe, stands below, receiving the body in his arms; on
his left are Mary Magdalen and Salome, on their knees,
extending their hands to aid him ; the former is attired in a
dark green vest, the latter in a purple one. Beyond them
stands the Virgin Mary, clothed in a blue mantle; her gesture
and expression mark her anxious solicitude. The gloom of
evening prevails, the multitude has departed, and none remain
but those performing the mournful duty, and whose love and
sorrow were mutual.
13 st. by 9 ft. 6 in.—P.
Engraved by Lucas Vosterman, and in mezzotinto by Vai-Green.
Upon the interior of the doors which cover the preceding
are painted :—
The Visitation of the Virgin to Elizabeth. The affec-
tionate interview is exhibited as taking place on the summit
of a ssight of steps, which form the entrance to a house, from
the door of which the aged Elizabeth is advancing; and, by
the movement of her hands, and the animation of her coun-
tenance, appears to be uttering the prophetic words—“ And
whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come
to me ?” To this mysterious salutation the Virgin, who stands
before her, leaning on the balustrade, is giving meek and pious
attention ; behind her are Zacharias and Joseph, grasping
each other’s hands; and near them is a fernale attendant,
mounting the steps, with a basket of linen on her head. A
man-servant, unloading an ass, is close to the front.
Engraved by P. de Jode.