The Descent from the Cross Peter Paul Rubens

The Descent from the Cross Peter Paul Rubens, Antwerp Cathedral; wood, H. 13 ft x 9 ft. 6 in. Nine figures. The body of the Saviour is being lowered from the cross on a sheet by two men mounted on ladders; they are aided by Nicodemus on one side, and Joseph of Arimatheea on the other, also on the ladders; below, St John receiving the body in his arms; beside him are Mary Magdalen and Salome, kneeling, and extending their hands to assist him ; beyond, the Virgin, standing. It is evening, and the multitude has departed

The Jews therefore, because it was the Preparation, that the bodies should not remain on the cross upon the sabbath (for the day of that sabbath was a high day) asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken; and that they might be taken away. The soldiers therefore came, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him: but when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: howbeit one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and straightway there came out blood and water.

And he that hath seen hath borne witness, and his witness is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye also may believe. For these things came to pass, that the scripture might be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

And after these things Joseph of Arimatha:a being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took away his body. And there came also Nicodemus, he who at the first came to him by night, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pound weight. So they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place.

where he was crucified, there was a garden; and in the garden a new tomb wherein was never man yet laid. There then because of the Jews' Preparation (for the tomb was nigh at hand) they laid Jesus.

This Image (or other media file) is in the public domain because its copyright has expired. This applies to the United States, where Works published prior to 1923 are copyright protected for a maximum of 75 years. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" PDF from the U.S. Copyright Office. Works published before 1923 (in this case 1610-1611) are now in the public domain.

This file is also in the public domain in countries that figure copyright from the date of death of the artist (post mortem auctoris in this case Sir Peter Paul Rubens (June 28, 1577 – May 30, 1640) and that most commonly runs for a period of 50 to 70 years from December 31 of that year.

TEXT CREDIT: Cyclopedia of painters and paintings, Volume 1 and The book of Easter