The Deposition
Artist: Jean-Baptiste Jouvenet (French, 1644-1717)
Date: 1709
Dimensions:
H: 70 1/8 in. (178 cm); W: 54 in. (139 cm)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1974.56
Label Text:Jean-Baptiste Jouvenet’s Deposition depicts the dramatic moment when the body of Christ has been lowered from the cross. A halo emanates from his head, symbolizing his divinity. Around him are his grieving family, friends, and followers. Their reactions to the event convey the immensity of their anguish.
On the left, Nicodemus, who provided the embalming spices for the body, crouches down and prepares to cover Jesus with a shroud. Standing next to him, the tearful Virgin Mary entreats God on behalf of her crucified son. The Apostle John kneels beside Jesus, reverently lifting the body’s hand. Mary Magdalene crouches in the shadows behind John, weeping as she holds a piece of the shroud to her face. Behind her is an anonymous figure, entirely shrouded, who seems to symbolize utter grief. On the far right stands the richly dressed Joseph of Arimathea, who provided the tomb for Jesus’s burial.
On the left, Nicodemus, who provided the embalming spices for the body, crouches down and prepares to cover Jesus with a shroud. Standing next to him, the tearful Virgin Mary entreats God on behalf of her crucified son. The Apostle John kneels beside Jesus, reverently lifting the body’s hand. Mary Magdalene crouches in the shadows behind John, weeping as she holds a piece of the shroud to her face. Behind her is an anonymous figure, entirely shrouded, who seems to symbolize utter grief. On the far right stands the richly dressed Joseph of Arimathea, who provided the tomb for Jesus’s burial.
On view
In Collection(s)