The Descent from the Cross

Federico Barocci
oil on canvas
1567-1569

A high note in the history of the patronage of the arts by the Nobile Collegio della Mercanzia came when Federicco Barocci, one of Italy’s most renowned artists, was entrusted with the task of decorating the altarpiece for the cupola of the chapel. Thanks to the existence of historical records and archives, we can trace the entire sequence of events from inception to completion of the Deposizione dalla Croce (The Descent from the Cross). The Collegio was delighted to have the services of the artist so he was accompanied from Urbino to Perugia by one of its most distinguished members and given fine lodgings and board in Perugia as well as being paid a substantial fee.

In return the artist gave his best and created an authentic masterpiece which was inaugurated at Christmas in 1569. Appreciation for the piece, by an artist who was already widely admired by his contemporaries, has never wavered - as can be witnessed by conservation efforts and recent exhibitions in which his work has featured. Federico Barocci’s oeuvre marked a watershed in figurative artwork of the late 16th century and recent diagnostic analyses have revealed the true depth of the painter’s workmanship and exceptional artistic skill.