Shop art print and framed art The Descent from the Cross by Peter Paul Rubens

At the origins of Rubens' The Descent from the Cross, a monumental work

The Descent from the Cross is a monumental triptych painted by Pierre Paul Rubens between 1612 and 1614. Commissioned by the Confrérie des arquebusiers d'Anvers, whose patron saint is Saint Christopher, it was intended to adorn the altar of their chapel in Notre-Dame Cathedral in Antwerp, Belgium. The work, which is part of the Baroque artistic movement, is considered one of Rubens' masterpieces and demonstrates his exceptional talent for dynamic composition, color control and dramatic expression. The imposing altarpiece, measuring 421 x 311 cm for the central panel and 421 x 153 cm for the side panels, illustrates a key moment in Christ's Passion: the descent of his body from the cross after the crucifixion. Rubens drew inspiration from the Italian Renaissance masters, notably Michelangelo and Caravaggio, but also from Venetian masters such as da Volterra or Barocci, while developing his own style, characterized by exacerbated expressivity.

The work is set against a backdrop of religious renewal in Europe, marked by the Catholic Counter-Reformation. Faced with the rise of Protestantism, the Catholic Church sought to assert its power and win back the faithful through art, notably by promoting strong, emotional images. The Descent from the Cross by Rubens perfectly fulfills this ambition, offering a poignant and theatrical representation of Christ's sacrifice.

Rubens' Descent from the Cross: a dynamic, theatrical composition

The work is characterized by a dynamic pyramidal composition, which guides the viewer's gaze towards the body of Christ. The latter, in brilliant white, occupies the center of the painting and seems to float in the air, supported by a group of men and women. The dramatic tension is palpable in the gestures and expressions of the figures. Pain and compassion can be seen on the faces of the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene, while the men bustle around Christ's body with restrained energy. Loose drapery and rich colors help to create a baroque atmosphere, at once hectic and grandiose. Light plays an essential role in the composition, illuminating the body of Christ and the faces of the main figures, while the background remains immersed in shadow. This technique du clair-obscur, inherited from Caravaggio, accentuates the drama of the scene and enhances the expression of emotions.

Christ at the center of Rubens' The Descent from the Cross

The marmoreally pale body of Christ is depicted with striking realism. Rubens emphasizes the marks of the Passion: the wounds on the hands and feet, the crown of thorns, the wound on the side. The bent head and closed eyes give Christ an expression of serenity and abandonment. His inert body, delicately placed on a white shroud, evokes both suffering and redemption. Around him, the figures unfold in a descending movement, accompanying Christ's body to his tomb. The Virgin Mary, dressed in blue, stretches out her arms towards her son with an expression of restrained sorrow. The faithful around Christ, their faces marked by effort, support him as he descends, showing their solidarity and strength in suffering.

Light and color in Rubens' The Descent from the Cross

The Descent from the Cross is rich in religious symbolism. The light illuminating Christ's body represents divine light and the promise of resurrection, while the white shroud evokes purity and innocence. Colors also play an important symbolic role. Red, associated with Christ's blood and sacrifice, provides a striking contrast with the rest of the canvas. Blue, the symbol of purity and spirituality, is associated with the Virgin Mary, while yellow, the color of divine light, is present in Mary Magdalene's hair. Finally, the presence of Saint John, recognizable by his red tunic, recalls the role of witness and support he played with Christ.

Rubens' Descent from the Cross: A Baroque masterpiece

The Descent from the Cross had a considerable impact on Rubens' career and on art in general. It helped establish his reputation as master of the Baroque and earned him numerous commissions from the Church and European princes. Taken by Napoleon, before being returned to Antwerp Cathedral, the work also influenced many artists, including Rembrandt and Delacroix, who admired its dynamic composition, mastery of color and dramatic expressiveness. Even today, The Descent from the Cross is considered one of the greatest achievements of Baroque art, and continues to move and inspire viewers the world over. It remains a powerful testament to the faith and spirituality of the age, and a timeless work of art that transcends the centuries.

This artwork is a painting from the renaissance period. It belongs to the baroque style.

« The Descent from the Cross » is kept at The Courtauld Gallery, London, UK.