DESCENT FROM THE CROSS (Fr., Descente de la Croix; Ital., Cristo deposto della Croce, Descendimento de la Cruz; Ger., Kreuzabnahme), the taking down from the cross of the body of Christ. In the older pictures the Virgin is generally represented standing, but in some of the later ones she has sunk to the earth. The other persons represented are Joseph of Arimathæa, Nicodemus, Mary Magdalen, St. John Evangelist, and sometimes others (John xix. 38-39). The Deposition from the Cross, properly the moment when the body is deposed or laid on the ground, after the Descent from the Cross, is included under this title. The lamentation over the deposed body is treated under Pietà.
By Fra Angelico, Florence Academy; wood, top in three pinnacles. Two disciples on the ladder lower Christ's body, while two others below aid in sustaining it and a fifth adores it; at left, six figures, one holding crown of thorns and nails; at right, the Virgin, Mary Magdalen, and other women. The pictures in the gables are by Lorenzo Monaco. Painted for S. Trinità, Florence. Restored in 1841 by Fr. Acciai.—Vasari, ed. Mil., ii. 513; C. & C., Italy, i. 584.
By Fra Bartolommeo, Pal. Pitti, Florence; wood, H. 4 ft. 6 in. × 6 ft. 3 in. The dead Christ sustained by St. John Evangelist and the Virgin, at the foot of the cross, while the Magdalen embraces his knees. Removed from convent of Augustinians without the S. Gallo gate, at time of the siege, to S. Jacopo tra' fossi; thence to Pitti. Copy in S. Domenico, Prato; pen sketch in Uffizi. Engraved by M. Steinla.—Vasari, ed. Mil., iv. 197; C. & C., Italy, iii. 471; Gal. du Pal. Pitti, I. Pl. 30.
By Rembrandt, Munich Gallery; wood, H. 2 ft. 10 in. × 2 ft. 2 in. The dead body of Christ taken down from cross by five men; Mary swooning in the arms of the Magdalen. Painted in 1633; sold to Prince Frederick of Holland; passed from Düsseldorf to Munich Gallery; replica (dated 1634) in Hermitage, St. Petersburg. Etched by Rembrandt. Engraved by Hess.—Mollett, Rembrandt, 25, 86; Cat. Munich Gal.
By Rubens, Antwerp Cathedral; wood, H. 13 ft. × 9 ft. 6 in. Nine figures. The body of the Saviour is being lowered from the cross on a sheet, by two men mounted on ladders; they are aided by Nicodemus on one side, and Joseph of Arimathæa on the other, also on the ladders; below, St. John receiving the body in his arms; beside him are Mary Magdalen and Salome, kneeling, and extending their hands to assist him; beyond, the Virgin, standing. It is evening, and the multitude has departed. Engraved by L. Vosterman, Val. Green, R. Earlom, Claessens. On the interior of the doors are: The Visitation (engraved by P. de Jode), and The Presentation in the Temple (engraved by P. Pontius, Holhenmeus, Visscher, Val. Green). On the exterior of the doors are: St. Christopher (engraved by Eyndhouedts, Van Tiennen); and a Hermit. Painted in 1611-14 for chapel of Company of Arquebusiers, Antwerp; carried to Paris, returned in 1815 and placed in Nôtre Dame.—Smith, ii. 3.
By Andrea del Sarto, Pal. Pitti, Florence; wood, H. 7 ft. 10 in. × 6 ft. 6 in.; signed. The dead Christ supported by St. John Evangelist, his hand held by the Virgin; the Magdalen and St. Catherine kneeling; SS. Peter and Paul standing; mountainous background; in foreground a chalice with the Host. Painted in 1523 for S. Pietro a Luco in Mugello; bought in 1782 by Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo, who placed it in the Tribune of the Uffizi; carried to Paris in 1799, and returned in 1815; Ferdinand III. took it to the Pitti, and put the Madonna delle Arpie in its place at the Uffizi. Engraved by Bettelini; Lasinio; Esslinger; Forster; Marri.—Vasari, ed. Mil., v. 38; Gal. du Pal. Pitti, iii. Pl. 114; Filhol, iii. Pl. 211; C. & C., Italy, iii. 570; Dohme, 2iii. 2.
By Tintoretto, Pal. Pitti, Florence; canvas, H. 3 ft. × 3 ft. 11. in. The body of Christ, supported by Joseph of Arimathæa,
