The Lamentation of Christ

The Flemish artist Van der Weyden painted in oils, allowing him to work in great detail. This altarpiece shows Mary kneeling by her dead son and mourning him. His disciples look on in dismay, letting their tears flow freely. The strong emotions were intended to arouse the sympathy of the faithful.

The kneeling bishop in his ceremonial robes is the odd man out in the company. He is the man who commissioned this altarpiece.