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 The Descent of Christ From The Cross

 

A fine painting The Descent of Christ from the Cross hangs over the north door of Holy Cross Church. It is a copy of a Rubens' painting that was commissioned in 1611 for Antwerp Cathedral. Our painting is thought to be by Farasya who specialised in making copies of famous paintings and it was presented to Holy Cross by a former Dublin Alderman, William Cotton.

 

The painting depicts a group supporting Christ's body as He is lowered from the Cross….St John, in scarlet cloak, Nicodemus on ladder, Joseph of Arimathea opposite him, Mary Magdalen and Mary Cleophas kneeling at Christ's feet beside the Virgin Mary who stands upright.

Unfortunately our copy of The Descent of Christ from the Cross was badly damaged by fire some years ago but, under professional guidance, the painting was restored to its former beauty and re-hung in the church in the Jubilee Year 2000.

Full information on the painting's background and history together with a detailed account of the conservation and restoration is available by following the links.

 

Story of the Painting

Restoration of the Painting

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