Virgin and Saint John at the Foot of the Cross

Jacques Callot

National Gallery of Art

The image shows the crucified figure of Jesus Christ, depicted from the knees up, with his arms outstretched and nailed to a wooden cross. He has a crown of thorns on his head, long hair and a beard, and wears a loincloth around his waist. To his left is a woman, likely representing the Virgin Mary, wearing a long robe and a head veil. She has a contemplative expression and clasped hands, looking toward Jesus. To his right is another woman in a similar attire, looking up at Jesus with a contemplative expression. Both women have circular halos around their heads. The background is minimalist with line shading.