Describe the Painting

This 7' 7" x 7' 9" fresco can be seen in the Arena Chapel in Padua.  It was created by Giotto and dated 1305-1306.  The work depicts the Lamentation or Mourning of Christ.  In the foreground of the work the viewer finds five figures surrounded the dead body of Christ.  The body of Christ is held by three of the figures-three women that wear halos and biblical costumes.  The body of Christ does not touch the ground but is gently held by the three women.  There are two other figures with their backs turned toward the viewer.  We can not see into their faces and do not know if they are male or female.  The female figure at the far end of the Christ figure appears to have the attributes of Mary Magdalene-that is, red hair and touching the feet of Christ.  The young woman who cradles the head of Christ is most likely Mary.  In the middle ground of the painting, the viewer finds 5 figures.  At the center of this group is a young man who bears the iconographic symbols of St. John.  His hair is cut short, into a pageboy, he has a halo similar to the 3 women in the foreground who hold the body of Christ, and his is clean shaven, giving a very youthful appearance.  His arms are outstretched and he bends slightly toward the body of Christ.  He has a look of deep sorrow.  Behind him to our right two men are standing looking very calmly at the scene.  They are disciples who also wear golden halos.  In this middle ground area there are also a group of mourners (a crowd) to our left.  Just behind the middle ground there is a sharp mountain ridge that divides the composition.  Just behind the mountain ridge is a tree and vast sky with 11 angels.  The angels are in various states of emotion.