Epitaph for Hans Stahel: Resurrection of Christ [central panel]

The risen Christ, who is dramatically enveloped in a red coat and holds the victory banner in both hands, has vanquished death and the devil, shown here sprawled out beneath his feet as a dragon and a skeleton. This event is staged on the sealed sarcophagus that projects into the pictorial space. Either side of the sarcophagus the watchmen continue to sleep, while a third wearing armour slowly arouses behind the coffin. The family of the deceased kneels with their hands folded in the lower quarter of the painting and is separated from the event by a green curtain. The male group on the left is lead by Hans Stahel, identified by his coat of arms and followed by his five sons, one in armour. Two of the sons must have died in childhood and are represented here in shrouds. Both Stahel's wives kneel at the right hand side and are also identified by their family coats of arms. Five daughters, two of whom did not reach adulthood, complete the group.

[Görres, cda 2017]