Descent from the Cross, Master of Frankfurt Workshop (1460–circa 1533)

Although the anonymous artist whose workshop produced this altarpiece is known as the “Master of Frankfurt,” he actually worked in Antwerp. This painting is a triptych, a work of art comprised of three hinged panels that was typical in Northern Europe. The wings were kept closed except on Sundays and feast days, when they were opened to reveal the colorfully-painted interior. The painting presents Christ’s Passion as a continuous narrative that begins on the exteriors of the wings with scenes of Christ’s encounter with Pilate in semi-grisaille, or partial greyscale. On the interior, the rhythmic arrangement of figures combines with the rolling landscape beyond to draw the viewer through the progression from the Carrying of the Cross through the Lamentation and, finally, to the Resurrection. These scenes include many quotations drawn from the works of illustrious 15th-century artists, including Rogier van der Weyden, Hans Holbein the Elder, and Martin Schongauer.