The dead Christ is taken down from the cross. Line engraving by D. Falcini after F. Barocci.

Bible. N.T. Matthew 27.57-60; Mark 15.46; Luke 23.53. John 19.38-42. A young man on the left descends the ladder carrying the crown of thorns and a pair of pliers with which he has prised Christ's hands from the beam of the cross. Mary Magdalene stands directly under Christ's body, holding his punctured feet (recollection of the feet-washing scene at the Pharisee's meal) Behind her stands John the apostle, with a sealed book - the gospel he is writing. The Virgin Mary has fainted; three angels wearing brooches hold out their arms to her. The workmen, including the man first mentioned, are not haloed. The angels and the saints are, but Jesus himself is not