The Lamentation

Beginning of the 17th century
Church of Madonna dell'Orto

The composition follows most of the traditional iconography even while following 17th-century style current. The two almost inevitable figures are Mary in the center, Joseph of Arimathea on the left, and St. Mary Magdalene embracing Jesus' feet. Jesus is pictured on top of the sarcophagus, the better to display his wounded body. One unique touch is the cloth Mary uses to dry the tears on her cheek.

Perhaps the oak leaves in the background were intended to symbolize the strength in Jesus that will be manifest in his subsequent resurrection.

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Photographed at the church by Richard Stracke, shared under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license.