Law and Grace

The panel is part of a representation of the subject 'Law and Grace', and shows the side of salvation. St John the Baptist leads a believer to Christ on the cross. His blood falls on the believer's chest and is accompanied by the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove. The lamb beneath the cross represents Christ's sacrifice and the flag is a sign of his victory. On the right the resurrected Christ appears in front of the empty tomb as vanquisher over Death and the Devil. The serpent in the background is an Old Testament prefiguration of the crucifixion. Three scenes in the upper part of the painting illustrate the road to salvation: the child with the cross, symbolising Christ's future sacrifice; the angels announcing his birth to the shepherds; and his ascension into heaven. The leaves on the tree at the left edge of this panel reiterate the message of salvation.

[cda 2022]