PETER PAUL RUBENS
"Descent from the Cross"
Posted on 04/01/2024 7:48:51 AM PDT by Hebrews 11:6
To receive new-posting alerts, either request below or FRmail me |
A sad but beautiful painting.
#27 by Jean-Baptiste Jouvenet, very beautiful, depicting the dramatic moment after the body of Christ has been lowered to the ground. Immense grief, tenderness, expressed by those preparing for His burial. Nicodemus prepares the shroud while Mary is standing, her eyes to the heavens. Mary Magdalene is kneeling, crying, holding a piece of the shroud to her face. John, the beloved apostle, is looking at Christ with deep love as he reverently lifts Jesus’ hand. Joseph of Arimathea is to the right, he has provided the tomb for the burial. Very impactful, emotional, great painter.
As I indicated, the Gospels do not mention the presence of anyone other than Joseph and Nicodemus during the deposition of Jesus body—the artists are assuming the women (and John) remained. But given their presence during the several hours of the crucifixion, who can doubt their persistence?
I know, maybe the artists included the women and other followers to show the emotions affecting them, his disciples, his family, those who followed his ministry.
I agree wholeheartedly. Cannot omit them.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.