Monks and Holy Women mourning over the Dead Christ

Massimo Stanzione was one of the leading painters in Naples in the 17th century, producing numerous altarpieces and frescoes. His rich colours and idealised naturalism influenced a great number of students and imitators. This is a copy of a large altarpiece that he painted for the Carthusian monks in the church of Certosa di S. Martino in Naples: Stanzione included Carthusian monks mourning the dead Christ. This copy may date from the 18th century.