Quinten Massys (1466-1530), Fragment from The Lamentation of Christ, central panel of ‘The Carpenters’ Guild Triptych’, c.1511, Oil on oak, 260 × 503 cm, Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten, Antwerp
Ten figures surround the corpse of Christ on a white shroud. In a blue dress, the distressed Mary contrasts with St. John’s bright red robe. On the far left, Joseph of Arimathea, dressed in gold brocade, supports the head of Christ. Next to him kneels old Nicodemus, who also holds Jesus.
Mary Magdalene anoints Christ’s feet, and Mary of Clopas holds the Arma Christi. It is unclear if the older woman in this composition is Mary Salome, the mother of James and John.
Behind Nicodemus and Joseph stands an unknown man who watches the scene. His turban and terrified facial expression are striking, affecting the entire composition. There are no direct symbols or references to identify him, but his oriental turban suggests his otherness.
The composition is a beautiful interpretation of Rogier Van der Weyden’s Descent from the Cross, currently held in the Prado. Van der Weyden’s iconographic innovations can be seen in thousands of surviving compositions by his followers from the early 16th century. This suggests his groundbreaking influence and impact on generations of artists after him.
References
Silver, L. (1984) The Paintings of Quinten Massys with Catalogue Raisonné. Montclair, NJ: Allanheld & Schram