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These two figures, once thought lost or destroyed, were the only missing pieces of a Gothic masterpiece. The seven ivory statuettes that make up the Descent from the Cross are remarkable for their exquisite craftsmanship, exceptional state of preservation and dramatic strength. The work comprises the group of the Virgin Mary and Joseph of Arimathea supporting Christ’s body, and an isolated statuette representing the Church. A 1947 donation brought a kneeling Nicodemus, removing the nails from Christ’s feet. Two statuettes seemed to still be missing: Saint John, traditionally represented at the foot of the cross as a foil to Mary, and the allegory of the Synagogue, in symmetry with that of the Church. Both were thought to be lost, likely to have been destroyed in the centuries since their creation. They were identified in a Parisian collection, listed as National Treasures and offered to the Louvre for purchase by their owner, therefore completing the reconstitution of this exceptional work, nearly 120 years after the centrepiece entered the museum.

In October 2012, the Musée du Louvre appealed to the generosity of donors to acquire these two medieval statuettes listed as French National Treasures. Six months later, Saint John and The Synagogue joined the museum’s collections thanks to 4,500 donors. The Musée du Louvre extends its warmest thanks to all those who made a donation!