The scene that Antonello represents is not reported in any of the Gospels. Christ has already been descended from the cross and He is about to be placed in the sepulchre. Before the burial is over, in the painting, an angel cries while showing us the death of Christ. We can contemplate the Lord’s face, His mouth still open, His lifeless hands, His lacerated breast and some blood flowing from the wounds. Besides, a few blood drops just fell form Christ’s hair (where the crown of thorns was placed) onto His immaculate chest.

This painting was certainly made for a private customer, probably to lead the viewers to meditate on Christ’s Passion. The representation of death is very realistic, the angel’s pain is extreme. There is a sharp contrast both between the angel rosy complexion and Christ’s pale skin, and between the characters in close-up and the barren landscape. This brings the viewer to get emotionally involved and remember the price Christ had to pay for our salvation.