THE DESCENT

ALTERATIONS 

The sculptural group is currently decontextualised, with no architectural or other reliefs accompanying it. 

A central split repaired with another piece of wood separates the right hand side of the composition. Some loss of support may be observed, such as the left arm of the figure of Joseph of Arimathea and the left arm of Christ.  

Certain areas of polychrome decoration such as some flesh tones and hair appear to have been previously re-decorated. Under the pale flesh tones of the body of Christ, we seem to be able to detect yet another underlying layer that is somewhat rosier. However, we cannot today determine whether this is a deeper layer of the same polychrome decoration or a previously-applied one.

The relief was restored in the National Archaeological Museum in 2013.