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REMOVING JESUS FROM THE CROSS

Thank you for this. What follows is not a criticism, but more of a question.

A big "a ha" moment for me, was in Mel Gibson's "Passion," when I realized how ravaged was Our Lord's body at the end. Yes, it's Hollywood...but in comparison with these paintings, clearly the artists weren't aiming for realism.

Why did the artists soften the Image?

I have asked the same question, Bob. I am frustrated by it.

Someone answered something to the effect that bloody gore would have interfered with peoples’ contemplation of the sacrifice involved, so when the church commissioned most of these paintings it expected sanitized images.

Good Morning, Dan.

And a splendid morn to you, Mary-Lou and Tippy too!

I seem to think of the Empty Tomb when seeing depictions as these.
I spent 10 days in Jerusalem and my favorite place was the Garden Tomb.
A most quiet, solemn Yet Joyfull spot.
.
Pressing Forward...
The High Calling

Curious sometimes, to see the collection of similar imagery, and wonder at the artist’s thinking.

Of all the collection, Rubens (#1) is almost there, and Tissot’s (#7) shows that some real consideration went into just how you’d go about the task in a careful and reverential manner.

If one cannot yet be in heaven, then being at the spot where it became possible, His tomb, is a worthy waiting place.

Tissot’s (#7) shows that some real consideration went into just how you’d go about the task in a careful and reverential manner.

You have captured perfectly what it is I so admire about Tissot--and he does it again and again.

Good Morning Dan, and hello to all.

So many memorable paintings; a ‘favorites’ list would be long.

#13 Cabianca (sculpture) is stunning. Maybe etabeta could comment upon it’s age and details, etc.

Also, what about
#34 Canova ?

Why would this magnificent sculptor leave it so rough?
Greatly appreciate all comments and thoughts.

Thank You Dan !!

Rubens shows the spear wound in the left/heart-side in #2 (in #1&3 he shows it on the right side - guess he was somewhat on both sides of the fence!), as does Sodoma in #23...

#16, Tiepolo, shows Jesus in the paleness of death, there's some unidentifiable quality to his painting - it's sad and beautiful...

Hope you get your answers, Leon.

The ‘Church of the Holy Sepulcher’ in Contrast was a Circus. Absolutely insane.

John, as our medical expert-in-residence, you’re the perfect one to ask:

I’ve been curious why most artists show the lance-wound on Jesus’ right side. I looked unsuccessfully for a reference in the text. In my profound medical ignorance, I’d have thought His left side was the place to pierce.

Any thoughts?

Garden Tomb was substantially more reverential?

Oh Yes..
I believe it’s under British ownership and they even have a Sunday church service
Which I attended.

I understand, and you're probably right.

Further I've seen a few Crucifixes where Jesus has torn up knees and more wounds. They're very impactful. So it makes its way into SOME imagery.

But Gibson's movie REALLY moved me in a way by no other piece of art (except for Mercer's Flight into Egypt...). Indeed, the scene where Jesus is talking to the two thieves, where you see their relatively "clean" bodies and His mutilated Body was VERY striking.

I feel like I have a greater appreciation for His sacrifice, and the depravity of sin, because of that movie. That does not detract from your calling, and the art you post. Maybe...perhaps...because of YOUR post, it prompted me to post that Passion image...and greater glory was achieved.

I'm happy to be a small part of your ministry. God bless you.

Thanks, Bob. I’ve posted several stills from Gibson, notably the flogging, but I didn’t come across any on the cross. If I post this again, I will search for them specifically.

I’ve wondered about that as well. I think it’s more habit or custom than anything else.