The Life of Christ

Saturday, Jim and I were invited by friends to see the art exhibit of Carl Bloch, at the BYU Museum of Art. I have to admit I had never noticed the artists name before, yet I have seen his paintings for years in our churches and church magazines. It was an awe-inspiring experience.

In 1865, Carl Bloch was commissioned to create twenty-three paintings depicting the life of Christ. The works done in oil on copper, took fourteen years to complete.

Seeing these paintings up close and personal has changed my view. I will never be able to look at the Ensign with one of his paintings the same way. He was a man of detail. It is difficult to express my feelings as I listened to commentary, and scriptural reference as I viewed these amazing paintings.

"Sermon on the Mount"

"Christ in Gethsemane"

'The Meeting of Mary and Elisabeth"

I don't remember seeing this picture before. Maybe it took on new light when it was right before me. I loved it! It spoke such joy as these two sisters caring miracles of life greeted one another.

"Doubting Thomas"

"Christ and the Young Child"

It beckons us to come unto Christ.

"Christ Healing the Sick at Bethesda"

"Daughter of Jairus"

I loved so many of the paintings, but this one brought tears to my eyes. This painting is as big as my living room wall, and you can't tell from this photo, but the mother's eyes are wet from tears as one falls down her cheek. The pain and longing for her daughter's life over came me, and there at the doorway, the Savior who has come to heal her as he does in all our lives reminded me that "He stands at the door and knocks." This painting was so real to me it was as if I was viewing a photograph. This I believe was my favorite.