The Decent.

Thierry de Duve once stated that Manet's Painting of the Decent from the Cross, marks the start of Modernism because it depicts a state hovering between life and death. Just such a state is described by astronauts when they report about looking down to Earth hovering in the black of space. Manet's painting has a remarkable resemblance to the photo's of astronauts, being carried from their landing capsules. After long space missions their weakened bodies look frail and powerless.