Easter, Paul Rubens and Aunt Gloria

This was originally posted here on Easter Sunday 2011. It is one of my favorite paintings by Rubens, and it very easy to see why. Happy Easter!

This is a wonderful painting by Peter Paul Rubens, a German born painter. I am unsure of its name. Rubens moved to Antwerp when he was 10 years old in 1587. His works speak for themselves and he is considered to be one of the Masters of the Flemish painters, as well as one of the chief influences of the "Baroque Period."

His paintings are largely religious in their themes, and he was unique, for his time, in painting Christ as empowered, rather than as a victim. His father had been persecuted for his religious beliefs and fled from Antwerp to Germany, seeking religious freedom. It was there that Peter Paul Rubens was born in 1577. When the elder Mr. Rubens died in 1587, his widow returned, with the young Peter Paul, to Antwerp, where he was destined for great things, both as an artist, as well as a diplomat.

Rubens was fluent in Latin and Greek, and became a messenger to a noblewoman, the Countess of Lalaing. Although he disliked court life, he did make friends and forge alliances, which would be of aid to him in his later years as a diplomat.

When he returned home to Antwerp, he made the decision to become a painter. A student of three masters —Tobias Verhaecht, Adam van Noort, and Otto van Veen, he honed his skills, until in 1598 he was accepted as a Master in the Antwerp Guild of St. Luke. He was now a Master Painter at the age of 21.

By 1616 Rubens would go on to paint what is often considered to be the companion piece to this painting. It was called "Christ Risen." Google him and look at some of his extraordinary art.

Meantime; Happy Easter to all those who observe. And let the rest eat chocolates!

This cross was made for me by my favorite Aunt Gloria from her Palm Sunday palm leaf. It's going in the car... Thanks, Gloria!

“Il Transporto di Cristo al Sepolcro” - Antonio Ciseri (1870)

“The Transport of Christ to the Sepulcher" by Antonio Ciseri is one of the most harrowing of all the paintings concerning Good Friday. It was painted over a period of 6 years, between 1864 and 1870 in Italy. Ciseri was actually born in Switzerland, but by age 12 he was studying under the tutelage of Ernesto Bonaivuti and later, Giuseppe Bezzuoli, both of whom would inform his works with their own unique styles.

In this dark and foreboding painting Christ is being carried by the Faithful to the Sepulcher, from which he would miraculously rise on what became known as Easter Sunday. The imagery is not the standard one of Christ borne on the cross; or even hung upon one. Rather, the artists intent seems to have been geared more towards humanizing Jesus as body and flesh; as someone who was once touched by others, just as he once touched them.

No matter what your religious beliefs; I happen to be Jewish; the solemnity of Good Friday, encompassing Faith within its sorrow, cannot be ignored. Without Faith, there can be no good deeds, and without good deeds there can never be Salvation. This holds true not only for Christians, but for people of any Faith who believe in something higher than just themselves.

Easter

This is Hieronymous Bosch's 16th Century painting of "Christ Carrying the Cross." He was not a very prolific artist, and this painting represents one of only 24 paintings he is known to have done. It stands today in the Voor Schone Museum in Ghent.

What I find most fascinating about the painting is that it almost resembles the Modernist, and even some aspects of the Cubic form, found in some contemporary artists, such as Picasso, and also Bermudez. The use of vibrant colors, along with distinct lines to the figures, help bring to life the story being told.

Examining the painting, along with a bit of reading, reveals the story of Saint Veronica, who carries the veil bearing the imprint of Christ's face on the way to his Crucifixion. She is a woman of faith, and as such, appears to be calm. The other figure is that of Simon of Cirene, who, under orders from the Romans, is helping to bear the burden of the cross. He is clearly distressed. The crowd surrounding them as they struggle with their burden, is a hostile one, and painted in an exaggerated fashion in order to emphasize the hostility of man towards that in which he has no faith. Their own lack of faith makes them part of the problems they all face. Yet, they lack the courage of the condemned man, and so they revile him.

The only peaceful face is that of Jesus, who knows his fate and accepts it. Indeed, he has no choice. Accompanying Christ are the two thieves, on their way to their own executions, both fearful of the fate which awaits them. Their courage is not lacking, only their faith in something better which may lie ahead to redeem them.

The religious theme aside, the message in this classic painting is one which still rings true today. We are all complicit in the ills of the world. There is a faith which is lacking in us all. And that lack of faith is not a faith in Christ, or Moses, nor is it in something material. It is, instead, a lack of faith in ourselves to tackle the problems facing us, which troubles us the most.

And, by the way, Sarah and I both wish you a Happy Passover, too!