The Descent from the Cross by Pieter Coecke van Aelst

Pieter Coecke van Aelst descent from the Cross 1.jpg

Another piece from the National Museum in Lisbon. Among many amazing paintings, I think I enjoyed the triptychs the most. It's like a story in three parts. And when you think that's all, you can still have a peek in the back and see behind the scenes :)

I was showing my favourite one here - The Temptation of St. Anthony by Hieronymus Bosch.

Time for another one.
It is a bit of a shame that the lights were reflecting so much on it. But at least there was a little bench placed right in front, so one could just sit and enjoy the view. And there are so many details to look at!

The Descent from the Cross

Pieter Coecke van Aelst (1502–1550)

Pieter Coecke van Aelst was a Flemish artist. It was estimated that this painting was created in years 1540-1545.

In April 1584 it was acquired in Antwerp by Simon Simons from Daniël de Villers. It was destined to be sent to two merchants in Lisbon , Jerome de Franchi and Jasper Glas, so that it could be sold to the best offer. The possession of this work by private individuals is surprising and could be the result of widespread looting of Antwerp temples, but there is no certainty about this. Information about the transaction can be found in a document dated January 30 , 1585
_source

And that's how it ended up in Portugal.

Pieter Coecke van Aelst descent from the Cross 8.jpg

The main panel shows Christ being taken down from the cross. The two side ones show the resurrection of Jesus and the descent of Christ into Hell. You can read a detailed description in this link, so I will not repeat it.

I wish I had taken more photos of the faces. There are some very well painted terrified faces there. As in many of the religious paintings, the artist wanted to show the terrible pain and agony of hell.
Remember this one? :)

Pieter Coecke van Aelst descent from the Cross 6.jpg

Pieter Coecke van Aelst descent from the Cross 7.jpg
_Outch!

I have mentioned before that the exterior panels are also painted, but most kept in grey tones. This is one like that, too.

Here they show the Conversion of St. Paul. The panels were used to close the painting, so they are not the main "attraction". Still, I find them quite beautiful.