Joseph of Arimathea Requests Pontius Pilatus for the Body of Jesus, the Burial of Jesus

On the north-east corner of the capital the governor Pontius Pilatus is sitting. He can be identified by his dress, his headgear, and the fact that he is sitting on a throne with cushions. Five figures approach him. They include Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, who are both distinguished by pointed beards, long tunics and cloaks. The governor’s legs are crossed; he lays his right hand on his left forearm, which in turn rests on his right leg – a posture that suggests fleeting interest and impassiveness. The figure that appears behind Pilate, on the east side, is the centurion with the shield, whom Pilate had summoned to confirm that Christ was already dead (Mk 15:44-45).
On the south side the Expositio in lapide is represented. The tomb, decorated with geometrical patterns, rests on four columns; it is reminiscent of an altar and thus a symbol of sacrifice and Eucharist. Standing to the right and left are Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (to whose presence only Jn 19:38-42 testifies); they lay the body of Christ, wrapped in a shroud, in the sarcophagus. In the background a tree with interlaced boughs, foliage and fruits rises in the middle of the capital.
On the abacus plate remains of two painted inscriptions can be detected: on the south side JOSEPH and on the north side PILATVS.

Pilate body Christ burial Request Arimathea Joseph