REMBRANDT VAN RHYN.
39
New Testament Subjects.
gloom which prevails is partially relieved by a stream of light
bursting from the midst of dark clouds. Painted in a free and
spirited manner.
1/7. 3^ in. by 11^ in.— P.
Now in the collection of the Right Hon Sir Charles Bagot, K.C.
93. The Descent from the Cross. This admirable composi-
tion, so well known by the beautiful etching, represents the
moment when the body of the Saviour, detached from the
cross, is being lowered by means of a sheet, by five men,
one of whom, dressed in a gray jacket, mounted on a ladder,
leans over the top of the cross, grasping the hem of the sheet;
two others, also on ladders, are on either side, aiding; and the
remaining two stand below, receiving the body in their arms.
While this mournful ceremony is passing, the Virgin, over-
come with grief, has sunk down fainting on the ground, and is
assisted by the Magdalen and two of the disciples. On the
opposite side stands an officer of distinction, habited in a rich
Asiatic dress, and having a cane in his hand ; he appears to
be observing the event with deep interest; this person is pro-
bably intended for Joseph of Arimathea. A number of spec-
tators are visible beyond the cross, through the gloom which
prevails; and the city of Jerusalem is faintly perceived in the
distance. This picture appears, from the style of its execution,
to be among the early works of the painter, perhaps about
1633 ; for the shadows have become so dark by time, that the
date is obscured. This is one of the very few (not more than
four) which the artist has etched, and the print bears date 1633.
2/7. 10 m. by 2ft. I in. — C. (arched.)
Now in ths Public Gallery at Munich.
94. The Descent from the Cross. The composition of this
excellent picture is not very dissimilar from the preceding;
the body of the Saviour is here lowered by four men mounted
39
New Testament Subjects.
gloom which prevails is partially relieved by a stream of light
bursting from the midst of dark clouds. Painted in a free and
spirited manner.
1/7. 3^ in. by 11^ in.— P.
Now in the collection of the Right Hon Sir Charles Bagot, K.C.
93. The Descent from the Cross. This admirable composi-
tion, so well known by the beautiful etching, represents the
moment when the body of the Saviour, detached from the
cross, is being lowered by means of a sheet, by five men,
one of whom, dressed in a gray jacket, mounted on a ladder,
leans over the top of the cross, grasping the hem of the sheet;
two others, also on ladders, are on either side, aiding; and the
remaining two stand below, receiving the body in their arms.
While this mournful ceremony is passing, the Virgin, over-
come with grief, has sunk down fainting on the ground, and is
assisted by the Magdalen and two of the disciples. On the
opposite side stands an officer of distinction, habited in a rich
Asiatic dress, and having a cane in his hand ; he appears to
be observing the event with deep interest; this person is pro-
bably intended for Joseph of Arimathea. A number of spec-
tators are visible beyond the cross, through the gloom which
prevails; and the city of Jerusalem is faintly perceived in the
distance. This picture appears, from the style of its execution,
to be among the early works of the painter, perhaps about
1633 ; for the shadows have become so dark by time, that the
date is obscured. This is one of the very few (not more than
four) which the artist has etched, and the print bears date 1633.
2/7. 10 m. by 2ft. I in. — C. (arched.)
Now in ths Public Gallery at Munich.
94. The Descent from the Cross. The composition of this
excellent picture is not very dissimilar from the preceding;
the body of the Saviour is here lowered by four men mounted