THE PASSION ALTARPIECE

ICONOGRAPHY 

All the attention of the tale deployed on this altarpiece revolves around episodes from the Passion of Christ. These are displayed in a continuous frieze, totally without any elements that might otherwise interrupt the narration. The series begins with the scene of the Flagellation with Christ tied to a column, surrounded by executioners and the magistrates of the Sanhedrin. This is followed by the Road to Calvary in which Christ bears the cross with the help of Simon of Syrene surrounded by soldiers and thieves in the presence of the Holy Virgin Mary and St. John.

The Crucifixion, which has been lost, used to put the finishing touch to the central relief that used to hold eight riders, the Swooning of the Virgin Mary and the Lament of Mary Magdalene. In fact, it is Mary Magdalene who receives the body of Christ in the following scene, Descent From the Cross, as she helps Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea while the Holy Virgin and St. John stand to the background. The scene of the Resurrection completes the narration with Christ emerging from His tomb surrounded by soldiers while an angel in the background proclaims the miracle of His resurrection to the Three Marys.