Frame of The Descent from the Cross
Ca. 1547. Polychromed, Sgraffito, Carved, Joined / assembled, Water gilding.Room 049
This kind of frame – known as a “tabernacle” or “architectural” frame – was widely used in the Renaissance, hence its characteristic structure and classical decoration, featuring tempietti, warriors, mascarons and fantastic creatures, among other motifs. A cartouche on the lower moulding confirms that the panel was painted for the altarpiece at the church of San Juan de Azogue in Medina del Campo: “This altarpiece was commissioned by Inés del Castillo, wife of García Rodríguez de Montalvo, alderman of this town. Completed in the year 1547”.
