CARTON ANGERRAND – The mourning with a donor, known as the Pieta of Villeneuve-les-Avignon Louvre (Paris)

The composition presents a central figure lying horizontally, his body pale and elongated against a dark background. He appears lifeless, with closed eyes and relaxed limbs, suggesting death or profound exhaustion. A halo encircles his head, emitting rays of light that illuminate the surrounding figures.
To his left stands a woman draped in black robes, her face etched with sorrowful contemplation. Her gaze is directed downwards, conveying grief and perhaps resignation. Beside her, another figure, also clad in dark garments, looks towards the central figure with an expression of profound sadness. A golden halo surrounds this individual’s head as well.
On the far left, a man dressed in clerical attire observes the scene. He appears to be a donor or patron, positioned slightly apart from the main group and looking directly at the viewer. His posture is formal, suggesting respect and perhaps a desire for recognition of his contribution. The placement of this figure introduces an element of realism and personal connection to the depicted event.
The artist employed a muted color palette dominated by blacks, browns, and ochres, contributing to the somber mood. The limited use of brighter colors – the red visible on the right-hand figure’s garment – serves to draw attention to specific details and create visual contrast.
The overall arrangement suggests a scene of mourning or lamentation. The presence of the donor indicates that this work may have been commissioned as a devotional piece, intended for private contemplation or display within a religious setting. The inclusion of halos around the heads of three figures implies their sanctity or divine connection to the central figures suffering.
The painting’s style is characterized by its somewhat flattened perspective and simplified forms, indicative of a regional artistic tradition. The lack of detailed background elements focuses attention on the emotional expressions and interactions between the individuals depicted.