Lamentation over the dead Christ on the mount of Golgotha. Woodcut by J.B. Jackson, 1738, after Rembrandt.

Bible. N.T. Matthew 27.57-60; Mark 15.46; Luke 23.53. John 19.38-42. The two criminals are sometimes portrayed crucified differently to Christ; here however only one hangs by his armpits; the other is crucified as Christ would have been. On the ground the Virgin laments over the body with four others. Mary Magdalene cradles its feet. Behind them men on horseback move towards the city. At the left of the picture, four old men, perhaps Jewish elders, survey the scene