In the centre of the image is Jesus Christ, nailed to the cross, wearing the crown of thorns, with blood flowing from his side wound.
Surrounding him are other significant figures.
On the left, relatives and followers of Jesus are depicted grieving.
The sorrowful woman seated with a tear-covered face is the Virgin Mary.
The 2 women behind her are Mary Cleophas and Mary Salome.
The man dressed in red is Saint John, and the woman closest to the cross is Mary Magdalene.
On the right, some figures began to believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ as they witnessed his death.
It is evident as all of them gaze towards Jesus.
For example, a Roman centurion on horseback and another rider are behind the crucified Christ.
Facing away and wearing armour is the Roman soldier who had thrust his spear into the side of Jesus.
All figures appear static, calmly expressing emotion, and each seems disconnected.
They do not make eye contact.
The painting includes several symbols.
Below the cross, there is a skull and a bone representing Adam.
Adam was buried at Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified.
Also, the red coral near the Virgin Mary's shoe symbolises the spilt blood of Christ.
The artwork draws attention to the significance of the landscape and the use of colour, with a softened palette indicating distance in the background.
In the sky, the dark cloud represents the darkness that covered the Earth when Jesus died.
Juan de Flandes pays meticulous attention to detail, which is evident in the armour of the soldier, the fabric of the clothing, and the rocks.
The artist chose a low perspective to let the viewer look at Jesus on the cross from the same level as the figures in the scene.
