This emotive image derives from representations of the imprint of Christ’s features upon the veil that Veronica is said to have used to wipe his face on the way to his crucifixion. Blood trickles down Christ’s face from the crown of thorns that his tormentors placed on his head, in mockery of his claim to be the king of the Jews. The tears falling from his eyes echo the drops of blood.

The picture has been connected with the Netherlandish painter Bouts but it may in fact be the work of a Spanish artist.