Anonymous: The Passion of Roermond (1435)

(Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

A painting made by an unknown Dutch artist. This altarpiece is one of the oldest paintings of the Netherlands. It was probably commissioned by Bela van Mirlaer van Millendonck for the Cistercian convent in Roermond (hence the name). The piece consists of 18 scenes from the life of Christ:

- Top Row: The Annunciation, The Nativity with The Annunciation to the Shepherds in the background, The Circumcision, The Adoration of the Magi and The Presentation in the Temple and The Entry into Jerusalem

- Middle Row: The Last Supper, Christ in Gethsemane, The Arrest of Christ, Christ before Pilate, The Crowning with Thorns and The Flagellation

- Bottom Row: The Passion, Resurrection, Ascension and descent of the Holy Ghost in the scenes of Christ Carrying the Cross, The Crucifixion, The Lamentation, The Resurrection with The Descent into Limbo in the background, The Ascension and Pentecost

In the scene of the Lamentation is a kneeling woman depicted, dressed in black. This woman is identified as Bela Scheiffart van Merode from the coat of arms beside her. Her daughter Bela van Mirlaer van Millendonck, is recorded as abbess of the Cistercian convent in Roermond. Bela Scheiffart van Merode is depicted as a widow in her mourning clothes and with a black widow’s cap. It is not known when Bela Scheiffart van Merode died but if this is a posthumous portrait, the painting may have been commissioned by her daughter, Bela van Mirlaer or another family member. Painting from 1435.