Claim: The Externsteine relief, located in the Teutoburg Forest, depicts Mary, Joseph, John the Apostle, and the torso of the ascended Christ.
Evidence: The Externsteine relief is a monumental rock relief depiction of the Descent from the Cross scene, carved into the side of the Externsteine sandstone formation in the Teutoburg Forest. The relief measures 4.8 m high by 3.7 m wide. To the left of Joseph is the figure of Mary, Mother of Jesus (the head of this figure has been lost), with her hand supporting the head of her son's corpse. Opposite Mary, on the right side of the scene, is John the Apostle, holding a book. The upper register shows the torso of the ascended Christ wearing a cross halo and a victory flag.