THE CRUCIFIXION ALTARPIECE

ICONOGRAPHY 

This altarpiece is dedicated to the scene of the Crucifixion on Mount Calvary, a fairly complex representation that is competently resolved despite its small size. In a fairly informal composition, Christ is depicted in the company of two thieves. The amount of unoccupied space surrounding the figures, however, is the result of the disappearance of several figures, as may be seen by the holes in the rear panel. As suggested by Gómez Bárcena, we may suppose that the rear of the scenario was additionally embellished by the presence of several angels, some of whom were collecting the blood of Christ and others who were saving the souls of the impenitent thieves, Dimas and Gestas.

At the foot of the Holy Cross, Mary Magdalene weeps over the loss of her Master. The group of figures comprising the Swooning of Mary, sustained by three Holy Women together with Longinos and his assistant, stands to her left. On the opposite side stand half a dozen soldiers, including the Centurion who acknowledged the Divinity of the Messiah and who points at Christ with his right hand.

James the Elder is on the left wing and St. Christopher on the right.