Malouel, Jean (Flemish, active 1396-1419) Flemish painters

The circular composition presents a scene steeped in solemnity and grief. A central figure, clearly deceased, is being supported by two individuals while surrounded by celestial beings. The deceased mans body is exposed, marked with wounds indicative of suffering – specifically, the crown of thorns pressed into his brow and visible lacerations across his torso. His posture suggests a recent descent, a yielding to gravity that emphasizes vulnerability.
To his left stands an older man with a long, flowing beard, his expression conveying profound sorrow and perhaps resignation. He is draped in blue robes, a color often associated with divinity or royalty. Beside him, a woman clad in dark green garments gazes downwards, her face etched with anguish. Her hands are clasped, suggesting prayer or supplication. The positioning of these two figures creates a visual triangle that draws the viewers attention to the deceased man’s body.
Flanking this central group are several smaller figures – angels – their faces conveying a mixture of pity and reverence. They appear to be hovering just beyond the immediate circle of mourners, their presence suggesting divine witness to the scene unfolding below. One angel holds a small instrument, possibly a trumpet or horn, hinting at an announcement or transition.
The background is dominated by gold leaf, which creates a luminous halo effect around the figures and contributes to the painting’s overall sense of sacredness. The circular format itself reinforces this impression, evoking notions of wholeness, eternity, and divine perfection.
Subtleties within the work suggest layers of meaning beyond simple depiction. The exposed body invites contemplation on themes of sacrifice, suffering, and mortality. The expressions of grief displayed by the surrounding figures underscore the emotional weight of loss and the human cost of devotion. The presence of angels implies a spiritual dimension to the event – a transition from earthly existence to something beyond. The artist’s choice of color – the somber greens and blues contrasted with the gold background – further enhances the paintings mournful yet reverent tone, suggesting a narrative of profound significance within a religious context.