The Deposition
More luminous than marble and admired for its pale color, alabaster was so prized that cases of the uncut stone were locked to deter thieves. Kern, an original carver of small statuettes and reliefs, has used it here to depict the moments after Christ was brought down from the cross to be gently wrapped in his shroud. Rare for depictions of this story, Kern has added an angel to assist, whose creamy-white wings enliven the composition.
Artwork Details
- Title: The Deposition
- Artist: Leonhard Kern (German, Forchtenberg, Hohenlohe 1588–1662 Schwäbisch Hall)
- Date: ca. 1640–50
- Culture: German, Schwäbisch Hall
- Medium: Alabaster
- Dimensions: Overall: 12 13/16 × 10 1/8 in. (32.5 × 25.7 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Purchase, 2000 Benefit Fund, 2000
- Object Number: 2000.283
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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Leonhard Kern
mid-17th century
Leonhard Kern
ca. 1635, base possibly late 1830s
Leonhard Kern
17th century
Leonhard Kern
17th century
Balthasar Permoser
ca. 1680–85
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