Description
Christus Consolator
“For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.”
What’s Going On?
Christ stands on a fragmented slab of rock, implying that He is the “rock of our salvation.” As He stands with outstretched arms, two male figures lean against Him, seeking peace and refuge. Their inclined figures form the base of a triangular composition and direct the eye to the compassionate face of the Savior. A widow wearing a black veil stands behind the child who peers out at the viewer.
The troubled face of a man in chains on the right suggests the apprehension with which he comes to the Savior for forgiveness. At first, he hesitates, wondering if his offering of a broken heart is enough. Behind him a skeptic appears deep in thought. By including this diverse cross-section of humankind, the painting expresses reassurance that Jesus will accept all of them, and us as well.
Christus Consolator was displayed in our Sacred Gifts and The Master’s Hand exhibitions.
More About Bloch
Carl Bloch was an academic Danish painter who is best known for his paintings depicting the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
He received his artistic training at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. Later, while living in Rome for several years, Bloch studied paintings by the great Italian masters.
When he returned to Copenhagen, Bloch quickly established a reputation as a religious painter. This led to major commissions for paintings in churches and chapels of Denmark and Sweden.
His extensive body of work includes over 250 paintings and 78 etchings. Still, Bloch considered his religious works to be his most valuable contributions. His productive career ended early when he died of cancer at the age of only fifty-five.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.