The images I have chosen and felt most moved by portray a similar portion of the crucifixion and bring viewers to sympathize with the sufferings of Jesus Christ. Painting one, picturing a dove above Jesus’s head hangs in in the Correr Museum in Venice. Painting two can be found in Castelvecchio and is titled Deposition of Christ (1445 c.- 1527). In each painting, Jesus’s body is limp, lifeless, motionless, drained of human color, and helpless. It is easily apparent that he withstood great suffering prior to his death. Religious individuals, specifically of Christian faith, will understand upon seeing these painting what the purpose of his death was and its overall implications in our lives to come.
The Catholic Church is trying to communicate this exact message in their media. The faces of the individuals in the paintings are full of grief and pain. Despite this grief and pain, there are halos, a dove, and angels signifying the peace and spiritual rebirth that would come of this tragic death. These paintings of reflection cause viewers to reflect on their Christian faith and the sacrifice that was made for their ultimate forgiveness. Upon seeing these images, most specifically the paining from Verona, I was taken aback. The colorless limo body of Christ brought tears to my eyes and left me speechless as I thought about how someone felt enough love for me that they would sacrifice themselves in the most sinister way to save me and all others who believe of their sins. In that moment, I was able to comprehend the pain he endured and even more understand the value of his sacrifice.
