THE PASSION ALTARPIECE

STYLE 

The altarpiece of the Passion in Lekeitio evidences a somewhat colourful distribution inasmuch as whereas some figures are placed at different heights, the overall impression we perceive is that they stand huddled together in hardly any space at all. In fact, some of the figures have been partially hidden, as we can see in the group standing behind the column in the Flagellation scene. Other small details such as the implausible position of the executioner leading the committee in the Road to Calvary scene and the non-existent head of Longinus's horse reveal the somewhat limited compositional skills displayed by the author of these reliefs.

Characterisation of the figures is repetitive, particularly regarding "negative" characters: large oval eyes with half-closed lids, prominent noses and loosely-defined hair and beards are all features that reveal a generally careless execution. 

The figures of Mary Magdalene and the spectator standing behind her, however, are more carefully executed which, together with the charm of anecdotic details, contribute to give the work more dignity.