Christ View from the Cross

Recently I discovered in my Logos library the painting of James Tissot.  Here is one of his most famous works: Christ view from the cross

Here is a description of the painting.

In the most memorable, and even notorious, of Tissot’s biblical images, Christ looks out at the crowd of spectators arrayed before him: Mary Magdalene, in the immediate foreground, with her long red tresses swirling down her back, kneels at his feet, which are clearly visible at the bottom center of the composition. Beyond her, the Virgin Mary clutches her breast, while John the Evangelist looks up with hands clasped.

The artist here adopted the point of view of Christ himself. Few painters have conceived a composition this daring. In his audacity, however, Tissot remained true to his artistic vision for the series: ultimately, the image is an exercise in empathy. Its point is to give viewers, accustomed to looking at the event from the outside, a rare opportunity to imagine themselves in Christ’s place and consider his final thoughts and feelings as he gazed on the enemies and friends who were witnessing, or participating in, his death.

The motley crew has gathered round the recently crucified Christ. At his feet, we see a woman, probably Mary Magdalene. In the middle of a group of women, a possible two more Mary's: Mary, mother of Christ and Mary, mother of Jacob the Younger. The man to their left could be John the Evangelist.

Some Roman soldiers are looking on, including possibly a centurion – the man clad in red. He has a downcast look. After Jesus breathes his last, Luke has him acclaim: ‘This man was truly just'.

The men on horseback are Jewish scribes. They seem satisfied with the situation – after all, they were the ones who had pressed Pilate into having their rival crucified.

In the background, Tissot has painted a tomb where the body is to be deposited the same night. The pots in the foreground may contain edik (vinegar) that some joker offered Christ for water.

James Tissot (French, 1836–1902). What Our Lord Saw from the Cross, 1886–94. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray-green wove paper, 9 3/4 x 9 1/6 in. (24.8 x 23 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.299

Remember our Savior who on this day became sin for us.  

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  2 Corinthians 5:21

Place you faith in Him for eternal life.  

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16.

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