The artwork “Deposition,” created by Rogier van der Weyden in 1435, is an oil painting on a panel that belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement. It is a religious painting and is housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain.
The subject of “Deposition” is the removal of Christ’s body from the cross. The composition is centralized around the figure of Christ, who is depicted lifeless and descending from the cross, supported by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. Surrounding Christ are mourning figures, including the Virgin Mary, who has fainted in sorrow and is being supported by Saint John the Evangelist. The figures are rendered in vivid detail and expressive emotion, highlighted by the use of rich, contrasting colors and intricate detail in their garments. The background is relatively sparse, emphasizing the dramatic interactions and expressions of grief of the subjects. The overall effect is one of profound solemnity and piety, characteristic of the religious art of the Northern Renaissance.
