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The image is an engraving after Peter Paul Rubens’ masterpiece The Descent from the Cross (1612–1614), originally painted for the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp.This intensely dramatic scene is one of the most famous achievements of Flemish Baroque art. ► The dead body of Christ, pale, limp, and heavy, is being carefully lowered from the cross by several powerful figures. Christ’s body forms a strong descending diagonal that dominates the entire composition. ►He is supported by: SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST (left), holding him with tender grief ; Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (on ladders and at the top of the cross), handling the white shroud and lowering the body; THE VIRGIN MARY, fainting with sorrow (bottom left, supported by holy women) ; MARY MAGDALENE (often shown kneeling and weeping, center-bottom). ►Rubens captures both the extreme physical suffering and the sacred dignity of the moment. It is a profound meditation on Christ’s death, while the white shroud already hints at the burial cloth of the Resurrection to come. ►The Gospels say Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus hurriedly took Jesus’ body down from the cross before sunset on Friday, because Jewish law forbade leaving a body hanging overnight, especially on the Sabbath (John 19:31–42).► VINTAGE ETCHING circa mid 19 th century. Digital restoration by Pictore. Authentic illustration free of AI.