Painted around the year 1470, by an Alsatian artist, this image is unlike no others. Coming from the Northern Renaissance era, the image brings together an idea that has never before been portrayed, which is that of the pre and post crucifixion Christ. The pre crucifixion Christ or also known as the Pensive Christ, seeks to depict the moments of grief, sorrow, desertion, and betray in reference to humankind, whereas the depiction of a post crucifixion Christ reflects on the idea of Christ as both man and God and, dead and alive. The combination of the two themes, as seen in this image therefore bring about great emotion to the viewer as they are seeing Christ’s pain for humanity which seems to plague him more than the bodily pain he suffers.
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What strikes me is that the blood flow coming from his right puncture seems to be flowing against gravity. Is this to remind the view that he is God and can defy all things? Something strange also calls me to take notice of his twisted torso that also has blood flowing from profusely from it, leading down his body. This exact state, is what I have imagined Christ to look like while hanging on the cross, yet the evidence here suggests he has been taken down. As he sits at the foot of his own cross, I wonder if this image may be portraying Christ outside of himself sitting while in reality he is still hung upon the cross? The idea that this image of Christ is merely a visual to portray an emotional piece of story seems almost as the ultimate intent. The viewer cannot escape the emotion, the empathy, the heart break that is depicted. Christ does not even lift his head up in hope for mankind but rather rests it upon his hand in the universally known gesture for sorrow. The title adds to the feelings that are evoked within me as I stare at the masterpiece. Feelings of shame, shame for mankind that we chose a path so dark. Sadness for Christ who took on the sins of the world alone, to save us all, and fear, for then wrath of God that may one day come upon us, if we continue in dark unwilling
What strikes me is that the blood flow coming from his right puncture seems to be flowing against gravity. Is this to remind the view that he is God and can defy all things? Something strange also calls me to take notice of his twisted torso that also has blood flowing from profusely from it, leading down his body. This exact state, is what I have imagined Christ to look like while hanging on the cross, yet the evidence here suggests he has been taken down. As he sits at the foot of his own cross, I wonder if this image may be portraying Christ outside of himself sitting while in reality he is still hung upon the cross? The idea that this image of Christ is merely a visual to portray an emotional piece of story seems almost as the ultimate intent. The viewer cannot escape the emotion, the empathy, the heart break that is depicted. Christ does not even lift his head up in hope for mankind but rather rests it upon his hand in the universally known gesture for sorrow. The title adds to the feelings that are evoked within me as I stare at the masterpiece. Feelings of shame, shame for mankind that we chose a path so dark. Sadness for Christ who took on the sins of the world alone, to save us all, and fear, for then wrath of God that may one day come upon us, if we continue in dark unwilling