DescriptionThe deep emotional piety shown in these expressive faces and gestures is made more poignant by the weighty drapery folds modeled by sharply contrasted highlights and shadows, by the vivid coloring, and by the taut composition. The unknown artist has been linked to a miniature painter who illuminated several manuscripts, including a life of Saint George in the Vatican for Cardinal Stafaneschi, resident at the papal court in Avignon from 1309 1341, and a missal, probably for the same patron, in the Pierpont Morgan Library, New York. Also in the Museum's collection is a companion panel, "The Lamentation." Both were part of a larger ensemble of hinged panels, two others of which are preserved in Florence. Such a work would have been, in effect, a folding portable altar.

Signatures, Inscriptions, and MarkingsInscriptions: On the bottom of the old frame in gilt sgraffito on red, was the following inscription: CRUCIFIXUS ?TIAM PRO NOBIS, trans.: He is crucified for us. This incription was added later. 2) At bottom of old frame in gilt sgraffito on red: PASSUS ET SEPULTUS EST, trans.: He has suffered [is laid out] and is buried.

ProvenanceMarshal Nicholas Soult; Augustus Stevens, London (sale, Phillips, London, May 11, 1869, no. 68); Henry G. Bohn, Twickenham, 1869-1885 (sale, Christie's, London, March 19-28, 1885, no. 77); Charles Butler, London, 1885-1891; Robert and Evelyn Benson, London, 1891-1927; [Duveen Brothers, London and New York, 1927]; Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., New York, 1927-1960