Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, http://hdl.handle.net/10934/RM0001.COLLECT.34057
In book 2, chapter 28, Molanus continues the discussion started in the previous chapter on images that contain an error but do not pose a real danger, in this chapter the main focus is on iconographies regarding Jesus Christ. The chapter thus fits in the greater scheme created by the author in the work in which he categorises images and the errors they contain, whether these are to be condemned or not, and according to what or whom. In general, Molanus argues that paintings containing the discussed errors do not have t be removed, as long as the provincial council of the Church does not decide otherwise.
The second example of such iconography is the depiction of the two thieves hanging at Christ’s side on Mount Calvary. Molanus mentions that painters depict them crucified in a different manner than Jesus, however according to several commentators they were attached to the crucifixes in a similar manner.
“The thieves crucified with Christ, were fixed with nails to the gallows in the same way as our Saviour was tied to the gallow, as has been noted by Ruffin and other, who write about the invention of the Holy Cross. This does not prevent the painters from tying them with ropes to gallows of various shapes.”
“Latrones cum Christo crucifixos, clavis affixos suisse patibulis eiusdem omnino formae cum Salvatoris nostri patibulo, ex Ruffino notum est et aliis qui de sanctae Crucis inventione scrivunt. Pictores tamen funibus eos in diversae formae patibulis ligant, sed hoc parum est.”
Molanus 1996, 201.
