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Notes
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Standing behind him are Saint Jerome, on the right, who cradles Christ’s head, and Saint John the Baptist. Both spent time in the wilderness in poverty and devotion, making them suitable for this kind of image, which was intended to promote empathy with the suffering of Christ. The inclusion of the two saints with Christ is unusual, however: it was more common for him to be shown propped up by angels.
Images of the dead Christ often formed the uppermost part of a polyptych (multi-panelled altarpiece) but as the reverse of this one is decorated, it’s likely that it was made to be held and moved around as a portable focus for prayer.
Title
The Dead Christ supported by Saints
Date
about 1465
Medium
Egg on wood
Measurements
H 26.4 x W 21 cm
Accession number
NG590
Acquisition method
Bought, 1857
Work type
Painting
The National Gallery, London
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England
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Saint Sebastian in a Rocky Landscape with Saints Jerome, Anthony Abbot and Christopher The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust) -
St Paul Ashmolean Museum, Oxford -
A Bishop Saint, perhaps Saint Augustine The National Gallery, London -
The Dead Christ supported by Saints The National Gallery, London