Religious art across music, dance, theater, and visual forms

¶ … religious art. This include: music, dance,

The religious piece of artwork that I have chosen to discuss within this document is Murillo Bartolome Esteban's "Crucifixion Paining." This particular work of art was rendered in oil. This work of art is emblematic of that highly influential religion known as Christianity which has dominated the Western Hemisphere since its inception early on in the year of our lord (or A.D.). Christianity has spread throughout the world, although it is most widely practiced and championed in Western Civilization.

Specifically, Estaban's work details the passion of Christ. It depicts Jesus immediately after his crucifixion. There are a number of salient details that give such an impression to the viewer. Christ is still positioned on the cross in this work; one of the most eminent features regarding his person is the blood staining his torso in which he was stabbed to officially 'kill' him. One of the most interesting aspects about this picture is that it portrays this scene in all of it saturnine gravity. The background is smoldering, dark clouds that only appear to be lightened in the area immediately surrounding Jesus -- which yet portrays his benign influence in even this darkest of day.

The expression on his face mimics the despair of his situation. His head is slumped to the side like he might be dead, or perhaps sharing a word of consolation to the three women directly underneath him. These women, swathed in dark clothing, are of course Mary, Mary Magdalene and Joanna. Although they certainly appear distraught, their facial expressions are decidedly ambiguous. It appears as though the artist wants to portray their awareness of the death or impending death of Christ, but it also looks as though he wants to show them with some countenance of hope in the fact that he truly will be resurrected and live once more. One of the women grips the legs of Jesus in a heartfelt gesture, while the one in the center has her hands clasped as though she is praying to the form of divinity that Jesus always has been and is ever transitioning towards.

Therefore, this piece of art is essentially commenting on the lowest point in the life of Jesus -- when he is slain. However, the reason that I identify with this work so much and the reason why it is such a critical moment in the history of Jesus is because the point at which he dies is also the point in which he receives everlasting life. This single moment is both the worst and the best thing that could happen to the Christ.

Esteban portrays this triumph, this sense of hope and optimism, in subtle ways. The light around the head, arms and legs of Christ is distinguishably lighter than the rest of the mournful dark background, which gives me (and other viewers as well) a sense of the righteousness and victory that is to come. Additionally, the piety and devotion that each of the three women show in her stance and facial expression also demonstrate extremely virtuous faith.