MASTERPIECE

While the group – with the weeping Mary, front-left, and John on the right (in red) – is focused on the figure of the crucified Christ towering above them, another scene is playing out at their feet. There, we see a dog barking, alarmed at a skull lying on the ground along with two bones, among the grass and the flowers. Literally translated, Golgotha, the place where Christ was crucified, means “place of the skull”. This is the reason why most depictions of the Crucifixion feature a skull. It was also thought that Adam, the first man, was buried at this same spot. By means of the dog’s reaction – similar to that of any watchful dog that suspects danger – the unknown artist who made this painting drew the viewer’s attention to this connection.