2022 carl bloch

Carl Heinrich Bloch

1834-1890

Unquestionably, Danish artist, Carl Bloch, is one of the most celebrated Danish artists of the 19th century. During the final decade of his career, Bloch took up printmaking, crafting masterful etchings of everyday moments, the Danish countryside, and meaningful episodes from the life of Jesus Christ.

Although Carl Bloch produced many works throughout the course of his life, his religious art tends to receive the most attention. Specifically, the world loves his paintings depicting the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Without a doubt, his extensive body of work, including over 250 paintings and 78 etchings, is remarkable. Still, Bloch considered his religious works to be his most valuable contributions to the art world. Unfortunately, his productive career ended when he died of cancer at the age of only fifty-five.

CHRIST HEALING THE SICK AT BETHESDA

Up until August 29, 2001, the painting of Christ Healing the Sick at Bethesda resided at the Bethesda Indre Mission in Copenhagen, Denmark, where it hung since 1883. Presently, the BYU Museum of Art proudly displays this piece as part of our permanent collection.

THE ACQUISITION

Twenty years ago, the BYU Museum of Art learned of an incredible opportunity. The chance to obtain an original, iconic Carl Heinrich Bloch altarpiece was rare. After months of negotiations, the Bethesda Indre Mission and Danish government approved the sale. So, through the generosity of dedicated museum donors, Christ Healing the Sick at Bethesda miraculously made its way to Utah in September 2001. It has blessed the lives of the Museum’s visitors ever since.

Christ’s healing power is more than physical. He has the power to make a person whole, to heal the soul as well as the body. The magnificent painting by Carl Heinrich Bloch of Christ Healing the Sick at the Pool of Bethesda portrays Christ both as a healer and a comforter. The original painting, a wonderful gift, has just arrived on campus and will be the signature piece for the Museum of Art. We hope it will be a constant reminder of our heritage and our mission.

PRESIDENT MERRILL J. BATEMAN, BYU DEVOTIONAL, SEPTEMBER 18, 2001
2022 carl bloch christ healing the sick at the pool of bethesda

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