RELIEFS OF THE DESCENT OF THE CROSS AND THE FLAGELATION

ICONOGRAPHY 

The Flagellation is a recurring subject of Passion cycles revolving around the figure of Christ tied to a high pillar that is normally located to His rear. He is flanked by two torturers who are flogging Him while another two lackeys prepare to deliver more blows. A group of dignitaries positioned to the rear of the composition supervise that the punishment is being administered.  

In the Descent, the figure of Christ is the most prominent in the composition and all other figures revolve around it. Here He is positioned diagonally, linking one of the three Holy Women holding His shroud with the figure of Mary Magdalene who is weeping inconsolably at His feet. At the same time, the positioning of His figure serves to distribute the remaining figures: Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus support the body of Jesus to one side of the Cross while a swooning Virgin is helped by St. John on the other. A ladder to the rear serves as compositional axis whilst contributing a sense of equilibrium to the tragic scene.