The Good and The Bad Thief

The story of the Good and the Bad Thief is a significant episode in the Christian tradition, particularly recounted in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew in the New Testament of the Bible. It revolves around the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the two criminals who were executed alongside him. As Jesus was crucified, he was positioned between two thieves, one on his right and one on his left. These two criminals are often referred to as the "Good Thief" and the "Bad Thief" or the "Penitent Thief" and the "Impenitent Thief" respectively, due to their differing attitudes towards Jesus.
The Bad Thief, sometimes called the "Impenitent Thief," initially mocked and ridiculed Jesus along with the crowd. He challenged Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" (Luke 23:39). His words reflected a lack of repentance and a hardened heart. In contrast, the Good Thief, also known as the "Penitent Thief," rebuked his fellow criminal, acknowledging their own guilt and Jesus' innocence. He said to the Bad Thief, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong" (Luke 23:40-41). Then, turning to Jesus, he made a humble request: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Luke 23:42).
The sculpture is likely to have formerly been part of a big church retable, often located directly behind the altar or being a part of it.