'Le Vierge en contemplation'

Photograph of an unfinished painting by Paul Delaroche, started around 1856. The work depicts the Virgin inside a dark, plain dwelling. She stands on the right gazing at Christ's crown of thorns laid on a table in the centre of the room. Three figures are slumped on the floor, their backs leaning against the walls. A wall-mounted oil lamp illuminates the room in the background. 

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.