The Virgin Mary Swooning over the Dead Body of Christ at the Foot of the Cross

Art Historical Context

After the crucifixion, the body of Christ was taken down and placed at the feet of his mother. Overcome by the sight, the Virgin Mary fainted and had to be caught by those around her, while other witnesses reached toward the lifeless form or held objects associated with the execution. Monnot carved this marble relief in 1710 so that the central group presses forward against a shallow background of the cross and distant figures. The contrast between Christ’s slack limbs and the straining arms that support Mary draws attention to the moment of collapse rather than to the instruments of the Passion themselves. The work is now in the National Gallery of Art. Look at Mary’s right hand, which slips downward across Christ’s chest; the slight gap between her fingers and his skin records the instant her strength gives way.