This is one of Van Hemessen’s most haunting images, a mixture of inspired rigour of drawing combined with great pathos of expression. The closely related version at Linz is dated 1540 and it is therefore likely that this picture comes from approximately the same time. As in most of Van Hemessen’s compositions there is great originality of approach as the artist gradually abandoned the equilibrium of the Netherlandish style. In its intensity the picture rivals the treatment of the same subject by Antonello da Messina.

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