The Deposition of Christ (Mark 15:42-47)

The taking down of Christ’s dead body from the cross is traditionally known in art as the ‘Deposition of Christ’. Sometimes the episode is also known as the ‘Descent from the Cross’ or the ‘Lamentation of Christ’. The act is described very briefly in all four gospels (Matthew 27:55-57; Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-53; John 19:38-39).

To check that he really was dead, a Roman soldier pierced Christ’s corpse with a lance. St John’s gospel says that this was a fulfillment of the prophecy of Zechariah, which spoke of great mourning and weeping over a pierced victim (Zechariah 12:10; John 19:33-37).

Comparing the gospels, we learn that there were many people present with Christ at the cross. This included St John the Apostle, the Virgin Mary, St Mary Magdalene, St Mary (the wife of Clopas) and Salome. After his death, they were joined by two secret disciples of Christ, Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus (John 19:38-39).

Joseph of Arimathaea bravely went to see the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. He asked for permission to take Christ’s body down. Only when Pilate was sure that Christ really was dead did he say yes. So Joseph, with help from others, unfastened Christ from the cross (cf Acts 13:29).

Since the gospels don’t describe the event in any detail, artists had to use their imagination when bringing it to life. They often pictured the body of Christ lying in the arms of his mourning mother. Sometimes they included ladders. Commonly, they featured all of the mourners mentioned in St John’s gospel.

The grief of the Virgin Mary at the cross was foretold by Simeon during the Presentation of the Christ child at the Temple. After predicting opposition to Christ, Simeon told his mother: “and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2:35). This prophecy came true for her in Christ’s final hours.

This stone sculpture picturing the Deposition of Christ is found within Our Most Holy Redeemer and St Thomas More, in Chelsea. It’s the 13^th Station of the Cross and therefore one of a set. It was carved in the year 2000 by the Irish sculptor, Ken Thompson.

The sculpture takes a stylised approach to the subject, which is reflected in the entire series of stations. Here we see the profound sadness of the headscarved Virgin as she clutches her Son’s body. The simple scene also includes a ladder (to symbolise the descent from the cross) and the tip of a sword (to symbolise the pain in her heart).

The station is captured with the simple biblical phrase – ‘A SWORD’ – which refers to the sword of grief that Simeon foretold would pierce the Virgin Mary. This was designed to help those praying before the station to connect the episode with the gospel story.

See the full image:

Where to find this work of art
Our Most Holy Redeemer and St Thomas More, Chelsea

Read the relevant passage:
Mark 15:42-47

On a similar theme

• From the Old Testament: The mourning of the Virgin at the Cross was anticipated by Rizpah, who mourned the death of her crucified sons.
• From the New Testament: Nicodemus, who had previously visited Christ in secret, was present at the Deposition.