THE PASSION ALTARPIECE

ICONOGRAPHY 

The scene depicting the Passion of Christ is the main protagonist of this altarpiece: two thieves stand together at the base of the Crucifixion, two more groups led by Longinos and the Centurion complete the scene. Below them, we can see Stephaton, the soldier who offered the crucified Christ a sponge soaked in vinegar and another group of Roman soldiers casting dice for Christ's tunic. 

At the foot of the cross stand Mary Magdalene accompanied by other women, John the Apostle, who attends the swooning Holy Virgin Mary, and the kneeling figure of Veronica. Other unidentified figures alluding to new soldiers and authorities stand in side panels, completing the central scenario as simple spectators. In the background, we can see scenarios depicting the Procession to Calvary, the Descent From the Cross and the Death of Judas.

Lastly, small reliefs on side panels represent, from left to right and from upper to lower, the Crown of Thorns, the Holy Burial, Christ's Descent into Limbo, Pontius Pilate Washing his Hands, the Arrest of Christ and Christ's Prayer in the Garden.