An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Man of Sorrowsc. 1560
Artist: Luis de Morales (called El Divino)
Spanish, about 1509–1586
Religious. New Testament. Jesus Christ seated wearing a crown of thorns, meditating quietly on the Passion. Cross building tools are on the floor surrounding him (hammer, awl, nails and broom).
25 3/8 x 18 1/4 in. (64.45 x 46.36 cm) (panel)
31 in. (78.74 cm) (diagonal)
24 3/4 x 17 1/2 in. (62.87 x 44.45 cm) (sight)
37 × 30 1/2 × 3 in. (93.98 × 77.47 × 7.62 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on panel
Painting
Spain
16th century
The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fund
In a dimly lit room, the air heavy with a sense of solemnity, a figure emerges—Jesus, as envisioned by the talented hand of Luis de Morales. Seated with his legs crossed and his chin resting thoughtfully in his palm, he embodies an intricate blend of regality and sorrow. The quiet grace of his posture invites the viewer into a world where emotional depth reigns supreme, creating a sacred space for reflection.
Around him lie the haunting remnants of his suffering—the column that bore the weight of his torment during the Flagellation, and the rough, weathered cross that he carried on his weary shoulders and ultimately met his fate upon. Yet, this is not a scene of agony replayed; rather, it captures a moment of stillness and contemplation.
In this poignant portrayal, Jesus does not dwell in the throes of his pain but instead stares thoughtfully at the very instruments that signify his torment. It’s almost as if he is not merely reflecting on the past, but also inviting those who gaze upon him to engage in their own introspection. The viewer becomes a participant in this silent dialogue; a pious observer drawn to the mirror of their own faith, encountering not just the man of suffering but a deeper connection to their own spirit.
The painting transcends the boundaries of narrative, moving beyond mere representation to express a profound meditation on pain and redemption. In Luis de Morales’s masterpiece, we find a space where sorrow and serenity coexist, urging us to reflect on our own burdens and the grace that may arise from them.
About the artist
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