This is a Triptych (an altarpiece made up of three parts). The central scene shows the crucifixion, with a group of mourners, including the fainting Virgin and Mary Magdalen at the foot of the cross. The left wing shows Christ carrying the cross aided by Simon of Cyrene, with crowds gathered about. The right wing shows the risen Christ above the tomb.

The Master of 1518 is named after the painted panels of a carved altarpiece in the church of St Mary at Lubeck which bears the date of 1518. He was a prolific artist who ran a large workshop in Antwerp. His style is similar to that of his contemporary Pieter Coeck van Aelst (see RCIN 405784).