The artwork “Descent from the Cross (centre panel)” is a masterful creation by the renowned Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens, which was executed between the years 1612 and 1614. This religious painting, crafted in oil on panel, measures an imposing 421 cm by 311 cm. It can be found housed within the sacred walls of the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, Belgium, where it has captivated viewers for centuries with its dramatic representation of a seminal biblical event.
The artwork portrays the moment after the Crucifixion when the body of Christ is being taken down from the cross. The composition is dynamic and carefully orchestrated, with figures arranged in a diagonal that adds a sense of movement and intensity to the scene. Strong chiaroscuro— the contrast of light and shadow— heightens the emotional impact, as do the expressive faces and gestures of the figures. Rubens’s skill in depicting the human form is evident in the muscular bodies and the realistic folds and drapery of the garments.
At the center, the limp body of Jesus Christ is held by several figures; their efforts to support him are palpable in their strained muscles and focused expressions. The figure in red, likely representing John the Apostle, shows particular care in holding Christ’s arm, while a woman— possibly Mary Magdalene— is seen kneeling, her arms reaching out towards Jesus in a gesture of sorrow and devotion.
The stark realism of the figures, combined with the theatricality of the overall presentation, is characteristic of the Baroque era’s emphasis on dramatic intensity and emotive storytelling. Rubens has managed to capture both the physical weight of Christ’s body and the spiritual weight of his sacrifice, which are echoed in the sorrowful yet tender interactions among the participants in this momentous biblical event.
