THE BURIAL.
Ciseri, Plate 156, portrays, if not "The grandest funeral that ever passed on earth," certainly the greatest. Joseph of Arimathæa, Nicodemus, and John the beloved carry the dead Christ. His mother, Mary, the Wonderful, walks by his side. "Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me." (Lam. 1:12.) Mary, the wife of Clopas, Mary Magdalene, and probably Mary of Bethany, are the other mourners. "Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb wherein was never man yet laid." (John 19:41.)
Hofmann, Plate 155, represents the company entering the rock-hewn tomb. He composes his company differently. The four women are present in the background, but now two of Joseph's servants have arrived to assist the three men who had been carrying the body. There, in the tomb, the body of Jesus was laid (John 19:42).
Hofmann, Plate 154, adds a human touch not found in the records of the evangelists. The last to leave the body are John and the Lord's mother, Mary.
Dyce, Plate 158, shows John and Mary with the crown of thorns, on their way to John's own home. (John 19:27.) Joseph and Nicodemus are just leaving the garden, while Mary Magdalene and another Mary watch at the tomb. (Mark 15:47.)
Dobson, Plate 157, has attempted to express the sorrow of Mary and the solicitude of John as they continue the walk homeward.
