Joseph of Arimathea (?), on the ladder, lowers the dead Christ from the cross. The Virgin, accompanied by the Maries, embraces him. Saint John the Evangelist supports Christ on the right, while Nicodemus (?) removes a nail from his feet. This incident is not described in the Gospels.
This panel formed the fifth of the seven scenes of Christ's Passion in the predella of the high altarpiece of S. Croce, Florence.
The composition is similar to that of the same subject in Duccio's 'Maestà' (Siena, Museo dell'Opera del Duomo).
Key facts
Artist
Artist dates
documented 1317-27; died possibly 1329
Full title
The Deposition
Date made
possibly 1325-8
Medium and support
Egg tempera on poplar
Dimensions
40.7 x 58.6 cm
Acquisition credit
Presented by Henry Wagner, 1918
Inventory number
NG3375
Location in Gallery
Other paintings in the group: The Santa Croce Altarpiece
Painting
Ugolino di Nerio
possibly 1325-8
