'La Vierge chez les saintes femmes'; Vendredi Saint

Photograph of an unfinished painting by Paul Delaroche, started around 1853. The work depicts the Virgin in profile, kneeling in prayer on the floor of a plain dwelling. She gazes out of a window on the left, supposedly witnessing Christ's trial and sentencing on Good Friday. Beneath the window lies Mary Magdalene, face down with her hands clasped in prayer. Saint John and Peter can be seen standing beside the window, looking out. Four vailed women are visible in the background, to the right. 

This work is one of the four scenes from the Life of the Virgin Delaroche started painting prior to his death. These include 'La Vierge chez les Saintes Femmes', 'L'Evanouissement de la Vierge', 'La Vierge contemplant la Couronne d'épines' and 'Le retour du Golgotha". It is believed that 'La Vierge contemplant la Couronne d'épines' was the work closer to completion.