Rubens, Plate 151, illustrates most graphically Mark 15:42-47. Joseph of Arimathæa went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. His request being granted, "he brought a linen cloth, and taking him down, wound him in the linen cloth." (Mark 15:46.) "And there came also Nicodemus, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes." So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths, with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. (John 19:39-40.)
Gerome, Plate 153, has given the most weird and graphic representation of the deserted hill and the doomed city. The supernatural darkness is passing. A flood of lurid light pours upon Calvary, casting the ominous shadows of the crosses towards the retreating multitude. In the distance the livid temple marks the place of the rending veil. (Mark 15:38.)
Morris, Plate 152, has drawn the deserted cross. An unknown woman lifts her little boy that he may see that which was written above the head of Christ. "And there was written, Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews . . . in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek." (John 19:19-22.)
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.)
