Sculptpedia Statues, Busts and Sculptures Park sculptures and installations Ancient World & Antiquity Middle Ages & Renaissance Marble & Other Stones Bronze & Other Metals

Erill la Vall Descent from the Cross

Erill la Vall Descent from the Cross is a sculptural group from the church of Santa Eulalia de Erill-la-Vall. Its distinctive feature is that it is made up of seven figures. Two carvings are preserved in the MNAC, while the remaining pieces are in the Episcopal Museum of Vic. Some of the figures still show traces of their original polychromy, and the detailed work on the garments stands out. Studies date the ensemble to the late 12th or early 13th century. Today, a reproduction of the seven figures can be seen in the position that seems to have been the original one, above a beam at the opening of the apse.

Wooden Descent from the Cross sculpture with a central figure being lowered from a beam by two robed figures, flanked by two crucified figures.
The Descent from the Cross wooden sculpture group, showing the central figure being lowered while two smaller figures stand on either side.
August 2019 © · CC BY 2.0
Descent from the Cross wooden sculpture group with carved figures on beams and stands
Carved wooden figures from the Descent from the Cross display at the Museu Episcopal de Vic.
August 2021 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Descent from the Cross wooden sculpture showing three figures before a white cross as two bearded men in pleated robes support the central body.
Descent from the Cross, a wooden sculpture showing two figures supporting Christ’s body in front of a white cross.
August 2019 © · CC BY 2.0
Central figures from the Descent from the Cross sculpture, with a bearded man supported by two robed figures beside a white cross.
Detail of the central group from the Descent from the Cross sculpture, showing a bearded figure supported by two robed attendants.
August 2021 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Close-up of a carved wooden head from the Descent from the Cross, showing a textured turban and pointed beard with a vertical split in the face.
Close-up detail of a figure from the Descent from the Cross, carved in wood and marked by weathered surface damage.
August 2019 © · CC BY 2.0

Identification

TitleDescent from the Cross of Erill la Vall
TypeRomanesque polychromed wooden sculptural group
SubjectThe Descent from the Cross of Jesus Christ

Historical context

DateLate 12th century to early 13th century
RegionCatalonia, especially the Catalan western Pyrenees and the Boí Valley
Cultural contextCatalan art
Historical contextLinked to the time of Saint Raymond, bishop of Roda (1104–1126)

Creator

Patronage and supervisionMany comparable groups were commissioned and supervised by the barony of Erill

Discovery and provenance

OriginErill la Vall, Catalonia
Original locationThe Church of Santa Eulalia de Erill la Vall, probably above a beam at the mouth of the apse
DiscoveryDiscovered and made known in 1907; first catalogued on 5 September 1907 during the archaeological-legal mission of the strip of Aragon
Related missionArchaeological-legal mission of the strip of Aragon, organized by the Institute of Catalan Studies to protect Catalan artistic heritage

Physical characteristics

Number of figuresSeven
Figures representedChrist, Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, Dismas, and Gestas
StyleRomanesque
AppearanceDetailed carving, especially in the garments; figures wear the traditional attire of their characters

Materials

MaterialWood, specifically poplar wood
PolychromyPolychromed; some carvings preserve remains of the original paint

Technique

ConstructionSet of seven carved wooden figures

Iconography and meaning

IconographyA distinctive Catalan Descent from the Cross type with seven figures, including a thief at each end
Liturgical contextProbably used in medieval liturgical drama
Possible meaningMay have had Eucharistic meaning and may have served as a response to Cathar denial of Christ's death and of the Eucharist
Narrative characterThe Descent theme gives the Passion a more narrative and dramatic presentation
Variation in depictionIn different regions, Christ may be shown still nailed to the cross, with only the right hand detached, or fully detached from the cross

Location and ownership

Current locationThe figures are split between the National Art Museum of Catalonia (John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary) and the Episcopal Museum of Vic (Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, Dismas, and Gestas)
Current displayA reproduction of the complete seven-figure group is displayed in the church at the presumed original site
Associated churchChurch of Santa Eulalia, Erill-la-Vall

History and restoration

Heritage status of associated churchDeclared a historic-artistic monument in 1962 and recognized as an asset of cultural interest in 1982

Significance

Art historical importanceConsidered a masterpiece of Romanesque carving in Catalonia and one of the most singular and outstanding Romanesque sculptural ensembles
CompletenessDescribed as the most complete known group from the Catalan western Pyrenees
Regional significanceMore than half of comparable monumental Descent groups come from the Pyrenean areas of Pallars, Ribagorza, and Urgell
Related worksComparable groups include the Descent from Santa Maria de Taüll and the remains of the one from Durro