THE RELIEF OF THE CRUCIFIXION

The relief depicts a scene of Calvary that is unfolding in rocky surroundings. This scene belongs to the centre compartment of a Passion altarpiece. It is made up of three wooden blocks:  the centre panel was used to fashion the Cross and the two flanking panels to fashion the remaining seven figures. The figure of Christ is attached to the Cross by three nails and is wearing a beautifully fashioned, pleated loincloth.

Mary Magdalene is kneeling at the foot of the Cross, desperately clutching it as she lifts her face upwards to gaze at Our Saviour. She is wearing an elegant headdress and a gathered ruffle of cloth on one of the sleeves of her tunic. Her clothes are abundantly pleated and the folds and fall of her tunic are beautifully executed.

Two men on horseback stand on either side of the Cross. We can see the skill with which the woodcarver has fashioned the flanks of the horses. One soldier stands in front of the Cross with his back to us. Another soldier behind the Cross is depicted in profile, thus creating a very real sense of perspective and space. To the left, two more soldiers are arguing, presumably fighting over the tunic of Christ. Details observed on the clothing date from the first decades of the XVI century.