The dramatic diagonal of Christ's tortured body on the cross provides a powerful focus for the emotionally charged and physically energetic composition. The theatrical lighting enhances the pain and power of the scene, illuminating, for example, Christ's wounds and Mary's grief-stricken face. Flashes of brilliant colour: deep blues, reds and greens add to its impact. The work may have been painted as one of several scenes from the Passion of Christ which Procaccini produced between 1615 and 1620. Their intended location and possible patron, however, are not known.