A. G. Jakovlev

Many great artists used the gospel myth of Christ’s crucifixion to discuss the most earthly problems of social justice, national independence and freedom.

From this point of view a very typical example is Rembrandt’s painting entitled Descent from the Cross.

Even though its subject matter is of religious nature, its social content and ideological orientation are far from the basic ideas expounded in Gospel.  In fact this painting depicts a bloody tragedy which occurred when Spanish conqueror brutally slaughtered and executed the inhabitants of Flander during Duke Alba military campaigns. The content of the painting raises the questions corresponding to the theme of struggle for national independence and social justice. That’s what we can intercept when observing the painting. On the painting the disciples are carefully descending Christ from the cross.  But Christ is depicted not as a martyr as he portrayed in the Gospel.  But he is rather is an embodiment of a courageous fighter for national independence. 

The various characteristics of this painting seem to support this interpretation, for instance, the stern expression on Christ’s face and the unique position of his body.  Also the anger and determination on the disciple’s face when he is holding the crucified body of Christ.

Moreover, Maria’s is portrayed as a Dutch folk woman, who seems to have undergone a great deal of sorrow and grief in her life.  She is virtually on the verge of breakdown over her great loss.  She is seen as fainting and falling into the arms of her supporters.  Rembrandt depicted Maria with typical physical and facial characteristics as well as clothing her in the garb of a typical Dutch folk woman.  In addition, the group surrounding Maria do not in anyway resemble the people from the Bible rather they represent a cross-section of Dutch society.  One can see peasants, workmen, and geuzen.  These people came to the crucifixion to express their solidarity for their fallen comrade and as can been seen on their determined faces, they will continue the struggle that Christ had begun.
Clearly this painting expresses sentiments which are antithetirial to the church or any institution that oppresses members of the society.

Rembrandt endeavors to realistically capture the various tragedies of real life.  Finally, this painting reflected a trend in which religious art became more realistic and less canonical.