THE DESCENT

HISTORY 

This relief forms part of a collection belonging to the National Archaeological Museum since the 27th of November, 1903, when it was acquired from Alfredo López Alcrudo. It now forms part of a much more numerous group of altarpieces comprising figures and sculptures. Its previous owner was a resident in Madrid who worked as Inspector of Architecture for the Ministry of Education and Fine Arts. López Alcrudo died in 1912.

No one knows where the original work comes from. Presumably it had previously formed part of the altarpiece dedicated to the Passion of Christ that fell into disuse, was split up and fragmented. Some of these fragments were put on sale, which is when the above-mentioned architect probably acquired the relief.