FRAGMENTS OF THE CRUCIFIXION

These reliefs of polychrome decorated ceramics were originally placed to the sides of the centre compartment of a Crucifixion altarpiece similar to the one kept in San Antonio el Real in Segovia. Just like that altarpiece, they too came from workshops in Utrecht that were highly specialised in this type of work where they were probably manufactured around the beginning of the second half of the XV century. The similar compositions, attitudes and characterisation of the figures they portrayed are all due to the use of moulds in their manufacture.

To the left would stand the scene of the Swooning of the Holy Virgin being helped by St. John and two Holy Women. Together with the women, Longinus and his squire are holding a lance and lifting their faces towards the place where the Crucified Christ used to stand.

The other group is found to the right of the composition. We recognise several  figures among them: one of the executioners wearing a turban is talking to another who has his back to us as he is pointing to the Cross: the Centurion who acknowledged the divinity of Christ is thus indentified.