The Dead Christ by Mantegna (click on image for larger, more detailed version)
On Holy Saturday the Church waits at the Lord's tomb, meditating on His suffering and death. The altar is left bare, and the sacrifice of the Mass is not celebrated. Only after the solemn vigil during the night, held in anticipation of the resurrection, does the Easter celebration begin, with a spirit of joy that overflows into the following period of fifty days.
-ConcordPastor
Only if one has suffered the loss of a friend or loved one can we imagine the profound sadness of waking on this Saturday morning. The death did happen.
ReplyDeleteTime spent with grief goes by slowly. It's difficult to spend my day imagining that pain and easier to be distracted with the tasks of the day to come--with foods to buy and driving to be done and final touches on clothes. As I get older I think more on the faith of the Marys and the strength it took for them to make it through this day.
This is an incredible painting -- I recall it now from a college art course -- the perspective -- (is it foreshortening?) is nearly impossible to do so well -
ReplyDeleteAnd I found it well worth the extra "click" to see the detail -- the wounds in Jesus' hands and feet are heartbreaking. (And made possible by the daring perspective.) Thanks for sharing this and so many other wonderful works of art.
MDR
You're welcome, MDR - and thanks for your recent comments!
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