Crucifixion of the Parliament of Toulouse,
detail of the medallion of Saint Mark,
after restoration.
Détail.
Crucifixion of the Parliament of Toulouse,
detail of cortege, after restoration.
Détail.
The centre of the composition is occupied by a monumental Christ on a cross, between the Virgin and Saint John, at prayer. Medallions bearing the symbols of the four Evangelists are inserted at the extremities of the cross: the bull of Saint Luke, the angel of Saint Matthew, the lion of Saint Mark and the eagle of Saint John.
At the foot of the cross, the royal donors, smaller than the figures of the saints, are depicted kneeling, praying at prie-dieux covered with cloths bearing their coats of arms. These are repeated on blazons in various parts of the panel. The King is identified by the escutcheon of France, three fleurs-de-lys or crowned with flowerets, and his son by the Dauphin’s escutcheon, quarterly France and Dauphiné (an azure dolphin). The King is wearing a crown on which there remain only traces of gold and a red brocade mantle, while the Dauphin, of more youthful appearance, is shown in his armour, with his sword at his side.
In the background, a group of soldiers and horsemen is milling around in an arid landscape in front of a fortified city representing the ideal city, the heavenly Jerusalem. Two stages of the Passion are represented simultaneously on the panel, because a cortege of soldiers can be seen emerging from one of the city gates leading Christ and the two robbers to Calvary.