The Entombment

Discussion

FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG

This woodcut represents an episode after the Crucifixion when Christ's followers bring his corpse to the tomb. A cavernous backdrop draws attention to the figures in the foreground where the savior's body, displaying wounds on its hands and feet, become the focus of the viewer's devotion. At left, three women care for the motionless Virgin whose collapsed body mirrors that of her dead son. Two bearded disciples—Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus—attend to the body. One removes the crown of thorns from Christ's head. In its place, a thin halo appears in reference to Christ's imminent resurrection.

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