Crucifixion with the Virgin and Saint John

The work, of which the side panels have not survived, shows Jesus on the cross with Mary to the left and John to the right. God the Father and the Holy Ghost in the shape of a dove are shown above the crucifixion scene. Together with Christ they form a depiction of the Holy Trinity. To the left and the right of the cross, an additional two figures are shown on fields of clouds. To the left a woman with four naked children, above which is written the text: 'Sanguinis hoc preciu distribua indigenis’ (I shall distribute this ransom in blood [or: this liberating/priceless blood] to those in need). To the right there is a woman who is pushing a sword into its scabbard. The woman to the right is a personification of Justitia (Justice); probably Isabella of Austria, the wife of Christiaan II of Denmark, is portrayed here. The woman to the left depicts Caritas (Charity); this is certainly a portrait of Orley’s client, Margaretha of Austria. It is rather rare to see such personifications on crucifixion scenes.