BARTOLOMEO DI GIOVANNI
(active 1480-1510 in Florence)

Pietà

1488-90
Tempera on panel, 21 x 28 cm
Private collection

Depicting the Pietà with St Nicodemus, the Virgin Mary and St John the Evangelist, the panel once formed part of the predella of an altarpiece. The body of Christ is seen being lowered into the sepulchre by Nicodemus who is flanked by the Virgin Mary and St John. In the background at left is a small, quickly painted vignette of Christ carrying the cross while, at right, the Holy Women, or Three Maries, are seen making their way to Christ's tomb.