Descent from the Cross (before 1443)
by Rogier van der Weyden

In his crowded, theatrical masterpiece, Flemish artist Rogier van der Weyden reimagined a somber but familiar artistic theme as a scene of enormous power and humanity. The Leuven Guild of Crossbowmen commissioned the work, and van der Weyden included references to his patrons,  including two tiny golden crossbows, within the painting.