The Deposition 1874

Arnold Böcklin painted "The Deposition" in oil on canvas; this piece is currently located in the Alte Nationalgalerie in Berlin. Böcklin, working in the late 19th century, situates himself within the Symbolist movement, which mined mythology, the occult, and dream worlds. Here, Christ is taken down from the cross in a moment of grief and mourning. The pallid body of Christ contrasts starkly with the vibrant robes of the figures surrounding him. Böcklin directs our attention to the raw emotionality of this scene. The women in the painting—Mary Magdalene and the Virgin Mary—are overcome by the loss. They appear to be struggling under the weight of their grief. The artist develops an alternative narrative, emphasizing the human aspect of the divine tragedy, presenting a deeply personal and emotional interpretation of a pivotal religious event. This painting allows us to reflect on the profound and timeless themes of sacrifice, loss, and the human condition.