School of José de Ribera, 17th century "La Piedad"

Oil on canvas. Unsigned.

Christ is lying on a sheet and his torso is held by a male figure, Saint John, of whom we can only see his face. On one side, in the centre of the canvas, is the Virgin Mary with a sorrowful gesture and her hands together on her chest, praying for him. At her feet, Mary Magdalene kisses the body of Christ. The lighting of the work is tenebrist, against a very dark background that contrasts with the body of Christ and the sheet. The light and shadow mark all the reliefs of the body and the faces.

The composition is similar to that used by José de Ribera in several works on the same theme (example. Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, No. INV. 336 (1984.12), which were executed in one of the highest quality periods of his workshop's work. 

In good condition, with slight flaws and craquelure. Relined.

Size: 60.50 x 100 cm; Size with frame: 97 x 137 cm