Painting of the Week: The Descent from the Cross

In this sorrowful piece by Rembrandt, Joseph of Arimathea is seen helping Jesus down from the cross. The man in blue holding Jesus’ arm is a self-portrait, and the man watching on the right is Nicodemus who assisted Joseph in burying Jesus (John 19:39–40).

The painting is part of a series of passion paintings Rembrandt made for Frederik Hendrik, including The Resurrection and The Ascension.

After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. — John 19:38

Artist: Rembrandt 

Year: between 1632 and 1633

Location: Alte Pinakothek in Munich.

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