Peter Paul Rubens Baroque Artist Crucified Christ Paintings Part 2

 Peter Paul Rubens Baroque Artist Crucified Christ Paintings Part 2

You know, I should have placed this one among the Saint paintings. However, for thematic purposes I placed it in this blog. Basically, the saint has had a vision of the Crucified Christ. His wound look fresh as he bleeds to death. The saint looks shock at seeing the lord in such a manner. This vision reminded the saint of the sacrificed made by God. God or no God, this story has a great significance. During the time of the Romans, innocents used to be put to death to maintain peace. Usually, these innocents where people who were not Romans. Even today,  almost all the innocents sent to jail are the marginalized. Thus, killing the innocent is nothing new. Overall, this painting gives us a lot to think about. In any case, Peter Paul Rubens deserves 5 stars rating.

I like how Rubens did his homework. Usually, depending on the severity of one's crime is the type of crucifixion one obtained. I like the difference between Jesus and the Two. The guy who has just stabbed Jesus' heart is Longinus. From his wound, sprouted water. It is cute how Mary Magdalene is hugging the cross. She is asking the Roman soldier to show mercy. The problem is that Roman soldiers are trained to be cruel, merciless and obedient. On the bottom right of the painting, we see the Virgin Mary, the Beloved Apostle and Martha. They each have different grieving expression. Overall, this painting is really depressing to look at. I find it interesting the Realism of this painting. Jesus is held straight by some ropes, just like the other guys. There are even ladders and horses that aid these soldiers in their macabre execution. Anyhow, this crucifixion painting deserves 5 stars rating.

This is a detail from the Decent of the Cross painting. Here we get a good look at the faces of Martha and Mary Magdalene. One looks serious, the other is heartbroken. Its pretty neat the contrast of colors between the dead Jesus and the live maidens. The shadow of death is already visible. There is no doubt that Jesus is dead. For this realism, Rubens deserves 5 stars rating.

Here is the rest of the painting. All the characters are dressed like contemporary baroque people. It is interesting how they are all trying not to drop the body. It takes a lot of people to carry Christ to the ground. The one who is taking most of the weight of the dead body is the Beloved Apostle. He really did love his master. He was the only male apostle that did not split. It is possible that he did not feel himself in danger because he was beardless. Meaning that he was only a teenager, a kid. Thus, the Roman legionaries did not take him seriously, like the female followers of Jesus.

Another thing interesting to note is on the bottom right of the painting. A rock is holding the sign that said Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews. That was the reason he was being executed. In the roman world, there can only be one King, Caesar. Aside from the note, we see the crown of thorns and the nails. I think that is just about everything worth mentioning about this painting. 5 stars for Peter Paul Rubens.

Well, this is one of the side panels of the Descent of the Cross. I think this guy is Saint Augustine. He has the baby and the shells. 5 stars for Peter Paul Rubens.

Well, here is the other corner saint. 5 stars for Peter Paul Rubens. These guys decorate the outside of the painting.

In the side panels, we see scenes of the early life of Jesus. On the left, Mary is hearing the Hail Mary from Martha. Bellow the bridge, we see a peacock. It stands for marriage. On the right panel, we see Jesus circumcision. The priest is sad that he will not live to see Jesus become the messiah. More, 5 stars. 

Well, this painting is similar to the other decent. This time Jesus' face is closer to that of his mother. 5 stars for Peter Paul Rubens.

In this version, we only see the Virgin Mary, the Beloved Apostle, and Mary Magdalene. 5 stars for Rubens.

Like the title states, here we see all the Crucifixion folks lamenting Christ. They are already at the sepulcher. Jesus' mother is closing his eyes. There are a lot of other maidens wearing black, lamenting Christ. Again, in the foreground we see the bowl with the nails and the crown of thorns. 5 stars for Peter Paul Rubens.

Again, we see another Lamentation. On the right, we see the writer of the Apocalypse. On the left, we see the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus. Thus, we see the start of Jesus' life and the prophecy of his second coming. 5 stars rating.

This is one of the back paintings of the closed triptych. You know, two saints and some cherubs. 5 stars for Rubens.

The Lady in this painting is St. Domitilla. She looks pretty cool with her sword. 5 stars for Rubens.

By now, we are all familiar with the raising of the Cross theme. This one in specific is among Rubens most famous painting. It is really quite dramatic. It looks amassing the amount of men that are needed to raise Christ. On the right, we see Longinus leading his soldiers. On the left, we see the Daughters of Jerusalem, the Virgin Mary, The beloved Apostle, Martha and Mary Magdalene. It is interesting to note the Virgin Mary's composure. Originally, they used to painting her fainting. However, the Catholics grew to appreciate her when the Protestants made her a mere woman. They did not appreciate that the Virgin Mary was not considered the Queen of heaven. Thus, during the Baroque period, she is painted as a strong woman. 5 stars.

Here is the first version of the Raising of the Cross. In this version, you see more of a background. Jesus looks a bit weaker. Other that, it seems pretty much the same. 5 stars rating.

On the right, I see the Romans. The scene in this painting is where Jesus tells the Beloved Apostle that the Virgin Mary was now his mother. He told him to take care of her. Bellow, Mary Magdalene is kissing his feet. This alludes to the first time they met. The Catholic Church imagines that the sinner of the dinner part at the house of the Pharisees was Mary Magdalene. Whether that is true or not, is an matter worth contesting. In any case, this pretty sad painting deserves 5 stars rating.

In this Holy Trinity, God is showing what he sacrificed for mankind. He is presenting his dead son to the sinners. He gave his only begotten son for the salvation of mankind. Above God, we see the Holy Ghost in the form of the Dove. The angels are holding the nails, the Lance of Longinus, the Crown of thorns and the whip. In any case, this lovely painting deserves 5 stars rating.

Again, we see another raising of the cross. After the first one, Rubens started to get many more commissions for that theme.  5 stars for Peter Paul Rubens.

 Basically, this painting just shows Jesus with the 2 other cruxified guys. They share with him the same pain and suffering. This painting looks depressing 5 stars worthy.

Here is the last Jesus painting for now. Its the finished version of the Road to Calvary painting. In any case, this lovely painting deserves 5 stars rating. I hope that you liked this Jesus paintings blog. Last Rubens blogs will focus on the Virgin Mary.