Entombment (scene 22)
by DUCCIO di Buoninsegna, Tempera on wood, 51 x 54 cm
The picture shows one of the 26 narrative scenes from the Stories of the Passion on the reverse side of the Maestà. It is situated in the upper row on the right side above the scene of the Deposition.
The same characters appear in the Entombment as in the Crucifixion (of the three women, the one with the blue garment is missing), all leaning over Christ’s body. Joseph arranges the shroud, John gently lifts Christ’s head, Mary kisses him for the last time. Only Mary Magdalene expresses her despair emotionally, lifting both her arms to heaven.