The essence of Christian belief is that Christ came to earth in human form and suffered a human death for the sins of mankind.

The large size of this panel suggests it would have formed the central portion of an altarpiece. Although the suffering figure of Christ on the cross is the main focus, the panel is filled with other figures that would have called to mind the Gospel accounts of Christ’s death. Near the top of the panel, to the left and the right are the two thieves who were crucified at the same time as Christ. Mary, Christ’s mother is found at the bottom left of the panel, at the foot of the cross, she is tended by Mary Magdalene and Mary and Martha. In its original coloured state, the panel would have given a more graphic rendition of the blood and wounds of the figure on the cross.