In the context of The Descent from the Cross (Rubens, 1612–1614), explore the The Deposition of the Composition.
The focal point of the painting is in the center panel, which portrays a group of interlocking figures arranged in an elliptical shape around the lifeless body of Jesus. St. John, dressed in a scarlet cloak and with one foot on a ladder for support, is the primary figure supporting the weight of Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea is positioned diagonally across from St. John to assist him. Nicodemus is shown above them on the ladder, while two men leaning over the crossbar are lowering Jesus' body, with one holding the winding sheet between his teeth to free his hands. Mary Magdalen and Mary Cleophas kneel at the foot of the cross, while the Virgin Mary is standing upright, her sorrow and anguish expressed in her pale face rather than her posture.The Virgin, standing at the foot of the sacrificial tree, extends her arms towards her Son. On the ground are seen the superscription and a copper basin where the crown of thorns and the nails of the Crucifixion lie in the congealed blood. The crowd, elated by the spectacle of torture, has departed from Golgotha as daylight fades. After the sacrifice of Calvary, as it is called in Scripture, the sad, dark sky is crossed by a light that illumines the shoulders of the workmen, whose bold posture recalls the composition by Daniele da Volterra.
All of the figures are strongly lit, creating a relief-like effect that is accentuated by the dark background. The background opens up to a glimpse of the evening sky on the left side of the painting.
Jesus Virgin Mary Joseph of Arimathea Daniele da Volterra Mary Magdalen Mary Cleophas Nicodemus Joseph Virgin