Descent from the Cross (centre panel)
by RUBENS, Peter Paul, Oil on panel, 421 x 311 cm
The centre panel of the great triptych shows the Descent from the Cross against a dark sky. Several men - Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, St John and two servants - carefully lower the body of Christ in a brilliant white shroud. They are assisted by several women, including Jesus’ mother. Christ’s foot rests on the shoulder of Mary Magdalene, who dried his feet with her hair.