UNKNOWN MASTER, German
(active first half of 13th century in Westphalia)

Crucifixion with Two Roundels

c. 1230
Panel
Staatliche Museen, Berlin

This altarpiece was discovered in 1858 in the Wiesenkirche at Soest (Westphalia). It was designed for attachment to the back of an altar. Two great roundels flank a Crucifixion; all three scenes stress sacrifice for salvation. The left roundel depicts the scene of Christ's trial before the High Priest Caiaphas, while the roundel at the right shows the three Marys at the empty tomb.