[keats5]

Thanks for all you replys. The counterfeit Madonna and Child portrayal sounds about right to me. I have read the Screwtape Letters, and that seems to fit with Lewis' portrayal of Satan (although I think Lewis would have shown a beautiful baby).

I wonder if the crow pecking out the bad thief's eye meant that although Christ provided a way to be forgiven, those who continue to mock God, and refuse His forgiveness, will still suffer Hell. Just as the dove was a sign of the Heaven that awaited Christ, the crow was a sign of the Hell that awaited the mocking thief.

[Aquinasfan]

Just as the dove was a sign of the Heaven that awaited Christ, the crow was a sign of the Hell that awaited the mocking thief.

I agree, but it made God seem vengeful. God doesn't send people to hell. People choose to go to hell as a result of their own decisions.

[patriciaruth]

as the dove was a sign of the Heaven that awaited Christ

I believe the dove is symbolic of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the giver of faith.