Descent from the Cross, miniature from the Hours of Étienne Chevalier, Jean Fouquet, circa 1452-1460

Two men, mounted on two ladders placed against the cross, one of which is held by saint john, lower the body of christ collected in a shroud by joseph of arimathea and behind him nicodemus with a vase for embalming. The instruments of the passion are at their feet. The virgin kneels, holds her hands outstretched towards christ. The mountainous landscape in the background contains a city with a domed church evoking jerusalem. Object Type: book of hours, illuminated manuscript. Genre: religious art. Date: circa 1452-1460. Place of creation: Tours. Dimensions: height: 16.5 cm (6.4 in); width: 12 cm (4.7 in). Medium: illumination on parchment. Collection: Condé Museum. Deposition chevalier