Andrei Rublev
The Entombment of Christ

1425-27
Icon
Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius
Sergiyev Posad, Russia

This is typical of Rublev's interpretation of traditional Byzantine iconography. On the right are Nicodemus (standing) and Joseph of Arimathea. In the center John kisses Jesus' hand while on the left Mary kisses his face. Behind her are Mary Magdalene and two other women.

Past examples of this pattern have sometimes stressed the emotionality of the scene, especially in Western art. But here the image is peaceful and subdued. Nicodemus stands farther back from his Lord than in the traditional renderings. Mary Magdalene still gets to raise her arms, but the gesture is as much an acclamation as an expression of grief.

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Source: this page at Wikimedia Commons.