The Deposition from the Cross is a painting of the Deposition of Christ by the Italian Renaissance master Fra Angelico, executed between 1432 and 1434. It is now housed in the National Museum of San Marco, Florence.

Giorgio Vasari described it as appearing to have been "painted by a saint or an angel".

Deposition of Christ (Fra Angelico)

Angelico intervened to complete this altarpiece when it had been already begun by Lorenzo Monaco for the Strozzi Chapel in the Florentine church of Santa Trinita. It portrays Christ supported by several people, with Mary Magdalene kissing his feet, as a symbol of human repentance. A figure on the right, with a red hat, is showing the cross's nails and the crown of thorns, symbols of passion and sacrifice.

Deposition of Christ (Fra Angelico)

Mary, wearing a dark dress, is shown in the traditional gesture of keeping hands joined.

Deposition of Christ (Fra Angelico)

External links

San Marco Museum

1430s paintings

Paintings by Lorenzo Monaco

Paintings by Fra Angelico

Angelico

Paintings of the Virgin Mary

Paintings depicting Mary Magdalene

Angels in art

Paintings in the Museo Nazionale di San Marco

Altarpieces