The Merciful Christ by Juan Martínez
Montáñez
c. 1603. Polychromed wood - Cathedral, Seville
Scan & text courtesy of the Web Gallery of Art
| This polychromed wood Christ on the Cross is one of the most elevated expressions of the Christian theology. Commissioned in 1603, it dates from Montáñez' early years. The contract with Montáñez survives, and in it are laid down in minute detail the smallest particulars of the iconological theme that the artist was to follow. The Christ was to be attached to the cross by four nails, as described in the Revelations of Saint Bridget, and he must be represented as "alive, just before dying, with his head leaning towards the right and looking at a faithful believer kneeling at his feet..." Impassioned with all Christological themes, the Spanish people imposed on their imagemakers the task of evoking the various moments in the agony of the Crucifixion; this image conveys Christ's supreme mercy for sinners. |
Sculpture Gallery Subject Gallery
| Credits: The Merciful Christ by Juan Martínez Montáñez, scan courtesy of the Web Gallery of Art. Descriptive text courtesy of the Web Gallery of Art. Scan & text used by permission of Emil Kren. The Web Gallery of Art - http://www.kfki.hu/~arthp/welcome.html Background pattern courtesy of the © |
