[wagglebee]

I doubt if degrading Christ was the artist's intent - it was however, at least for me, a consequence.

On of the realities of dealing with marble (which this statue is) is that it is very soft and fragile (go to a cemetery sometime and you will see that the marble headstones all look worn, but the granite ones look brand new regardless of age). This is the main reason that Michelangelo's "David" in Florence was moved inside. It would be very difficult to sculpt a marble cross of a significant size and not support it, it would simply collapse during a major storm. Something had to support the cross out of structural necessity. Also, the Blessed Mother is looking AWAY from the cross, that would lead me to believe that she is watching as her Son is taken to His tomb.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you for sharing your insights, dear brother in Christ!

Also, the Blessed Mother is looking AWAY from the cross, that would lead me to believe that she is watching as her Son is taken to His tomb.

Perhaps you are correct, but it does not offend me less even if that were the artistic vision. The draping of the arm over the cross is offensive to me. Christ's suffering on that cross is holy and therefore, the symbol should be treated with deference, in my view.

[trisham]

Excellent points.