SACRED ART IN 100 WORDS

The Man of Sorrows –Sandro Botticelli, Circa 1500, Private Collection

In Botticelli’s Man of Sorrows, we see Christ wearing a pleated crimson robe. His arms are bound and His hands cross over His chest. This gesture symbolizes humility and piety. Notice that his left hand guides us to the deep wound at his side. Christ wears a crown of thorns, thick as a snake – symbolizing both sin and suffering. Tiny balletic angels armed with the instruments of Christ’s Passion form a halo around His head. Together, they lament His bitter pain. Christ suffers silently. His gaze is vulnerable, yet steady. He is sorrowful, yet serene. The painting presents to us Christ, both human and divine.

– Archdiocesan Heritage Museum