The Lamentation of Christ (1464)

Rogier van der Weyden’s c1464 The Lamentation of Christ depicts Mary and the disciples mournfully retrieving the Lord Jesus’ body as it is removed from the cross. One of the wealthy merchants on the right side is likely Joseph of Arimathea who took charge of the body and afforded decent burial in his own tomb. But who is the anachronistic medieval bishop who kneels and grins? Ah, yes, the Dutch prelate who commissioned the work and who wished to have an image of Himself imposed on the holy scene for posterity.

The closer we get to Jesus Christ and the greater our understanding of Calvary’s cross, the more we wish to shrink and diminish rather than grow and enlarge. Medieval bishops were occasionally known for their piety but seldom for their humility. To push oneself forward, gorgeously bedecked in rich gowns and bejewelled mitre is the very opposite of what we ought to be when we approach the Lamb of God, slain from the foundation of the world.

The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. Proverbs 15:33

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