Ricci captures the
deep sentiment implicit in this painting as well as in his many other religious
scenes. Paradoxically, he also painted many artistically beautiful but somewhat
lascivious scenes and lived a rather profligate lifestyle, which landed him in
prison on more than one occasion.
Both earthly and
heavenly figures in this painting appear very much flesh and blood. The scene
is a moment of emotion and dramatic movement as Saint Mary weeps and receives
Our Lord for the last time.
From A Hymn
By G.K. Chesterton
From all that terror
teaches,
From lies of tongue
and pen,
From all the easy
speeches
That comfort cruel
men,
From sale and
profanation
Of honour and the
sword,
From sleep and from
damnation,
Deliver us, good Lord
