In Colmar, France, at the...
Illustration
In Colmar, France, at the Musee des Unterlinden, one of the most striking paintings in the world of the crucifixion is displayed. It was done by Matthias Gruenwald (ca. 1470-1528) for the altar of the Isenheim hospital, where patients, who suffered from St. Vitus Dance, could find relief from their suffering by pondering those of Christ. It is a sizable painting, perhaps seven or eight feet tall and almost as wide. It is the central part of a large collection of paintings of saints, which form a long panel on both sides of the altar. At the foot of the cross, John the Baptist is shown with a lamb, pointing to Christ as the Lamb of God. With him is Mary Magdalene and the flask of oil used when she anointed him. To the side, is Mary and the disciple John attempting to console her. In the center, Christ hangs as though almost dead. His mouth gapes open, his head is twisted so far to his right and down that it appears that his neck is broken. His hands are splayed from the force of the nails. The trunk of his body is distended. The color of his flesh is the pallor of death. And his skin is speckled with blood and wounds. The whole painting exudes pain and anguish. It is overwhelming to realize the extent of suffering to which Christ went to save the world and us from the consequences of our sin.
-- Guettler
-- Guettler
