RELIEFS OF THE DESCENT OF THE CROSS AND THE FLAGELATION

STYLE 

Both reliefs appear to have been altered considerably. However, they still conserve some noteworthy figures. The Flagellation relief contains a large group of figures (up to 9) which are either distributed over different levels or shown in crouching positions, neither of which prevents observers from experimenting the sensation of their forming overwhelming crowds, in addition to hiding some of the background figures almost completely. Several faces offer a rather coarse aspect, probably due to later interventions, although the gentleman wearing a striking headdress behind the pillar is finely characterised.

The Descent relief is very interesting with its freer, more dynamic composition and finely-executed pleats and folds of garments. The scene inspired by the work of Van der Weyden certainly manages to transmit the drama of the episode (in the way in which St. John holds the Holy Virgin from behind and the way the body and arm of Jesus Christ are positioned, for example), both of which suggest closer proximity to the work of Brussels workshops where the influence and impact of the artist's work were greater.