The Deposition

Leonhard Kern

ca. 1640–50 · Alabaster · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

More luminous than marble and admired for its pale color, alabaster was so prized that cases of the uncut stone were locked to deter thieves. Kern, an original carver of small statuettes and reliefs, has used it here to depict the moments after Christ was brought down from the cross to be gently wrapped in his shroud. Rare for depictions of this story, Kern has added an angel to assist, whose creamy-white wings enliven the composition.

Artist

Leonhard Kern

Date

ca. 1640–50

Medium

Alabaster

Culture

German, Schwäbisch Hall

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Purchase, 2000 Benefit Fund, 2000