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Rembrandt captures a moment in time and re-imagines all the faces and figures that stood around the foot of the cross as Christ’s body was released from his suffering.
Notice how Rembrandt illuminates Christ’s body with a very bright light and casts everything else in the shadows.
See the ladders on either side of the Cross
See also the whiteness of the shroud the drapes around the Cross
Imagine being one of those who tended to Jesus in the first moments after his death.
Feel the weight of his body as he is passed down the ladders.
What are the noises you hear?
There are two counter subjects that are often portrayed occurring during the descent. One the far left the soldiers casting lots for Jesus’ clothing and on the right you can observe Jesus’ mother Mary as she swoons under the intense emotional pain of the moment.
Many writers, painters, poets and song writers have tried to imagine how Mary felt in this moment.
Jacopone da Todi who lived 1228-1306 writes one of the most used verses called “Stabat Mater Dolorosa” or “The sorrowful mother stood”
At the Cross her station keeping,
Stood the mournful Mother weeping
Close to Jesus to the last.
Through her heart, His sorrow sharing
All His bitter anguish bearing,
Now at length the sword has passed.
Christ above in torment hangs,
she beneath beholds the pangs
of her dying glorious Son.
Is there one who would not weep,
whelmed in miseries so deep,
Christ’s Mother to behold?
O thou Mother! fount of love!
Touch my spirit from above
Make my heart with thine accord:
Make me feel as thou hast felt;
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ my Lord.
Holy Mother! Pierce me through,
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified.
There are many many different versions of the Start Mater. My favorite and the one I recommend the most is Pergolesi’s Start Mater: I. Start Mater dolorosa. You can find the complete performance by using the link below to go to Spotify. I have also provide a YouTube video of the first movement.
God Thru the Arts 
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