Deposition from the Cross

In 1633 Rembrandt produced an altarpiece of the Deposition for Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange and Governor of the United Netherlands. The portrait format shows how five men work together to lower the body of Jesus from the cross. They stand on ladders or bend over the side bars of the cross and clearly have to muster strength for their task. A broad ray of light from heaven falls on the figures in the centre of the picture. Several persons, who are less clearly outlined, are observing the scene. Rembrandt took up elements in his work that draw on Rubens’ depiction of the same motif. Jesus appears less idealised in Rembrandt’s version, however. His legs and arms hang down limply – the impression arises of physical heaviness.