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The Lamentation of Christ

ca. 1473
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 953
The lifeless body of Christ rests in his mother's lap, his torso supported by Joseph of Arimathea and his proper left forearm grasped by Nicodemus. Just behind, and somewhat apart from the Virgin, Saint John the Evangelist kneels in prayer. Mary Magdalen and a female companion express their quiet grief at far left. Essentially a Pietà in concept, this image of mourning foregrounds Christ's limp body, reminding the viewer that his sacrifice makes possible mankind's salvation through the celebration of the Eucharist. The drooping poppy at bottom left symbolizes sleep and death. This painting was probably commissioned by Margaret of York, Duchess of Burgundy, during her visit to Valenciennes for the meeting of the Order of the Golden Fleece (early 1473). The knotted C's and M's, as well as the coat of arms on the panel's reverse, indicates her ownership and references her marriage to Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Lamentation of Christ
  • Artist: Simon Marmion (French, Amiens ca. 1425–1489 Valenciennes)
  • Date: ca. 1473
  • Medium: Oil and tempera (?) on oak panel
  • Dimensions: 20 3/8 x 12 7/8 in. (51.8 x 32.7 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
  • Object Number: 1975.1.128
  • Curatorial Department: The Robert Lehman Collection

More Artwork

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The Lamentation, Ambrosius Benson Netherlandish, Oil on canvas, transferred from wood
The Lamentation
Ambrosius Benson
ca. 1520–25
The Holy Virgins Greeted by Christ as They Enter the Gates of Paradise, Simon Marmion French, Tempera and gold leaf on parchment
The Holy Virgins Greeted by Christ as They Enter the Gates of Paradise
Simon Marmion
ca. 1467–70
Margaret of Austria, Jean Hey (called Master of Moulins) Netherlandish, Oil on oak panel
Margaret of Austria
Jean Hey (called Master of Moulins)
ca. 1490
Portrait of a Young Man, Hans Memling Netherlandish, Oil on oak panel
Portrait of a Young Man
Hans Memling
ca. 1472–75
A Goldsmith in his Shop, Petrus Christus Netherlandish, Oil on oak panel
A Goldsmith in his Shop
Petrus Christus
1449

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