Antonello presents the figure
of Christ here in iconic style as opposed to a narrative one, and the direct,
frontal placement of the head sets up a personal connection with the viewer.
Here is Christ after his resurrection. His expression is not one of judgement
or anger, but of mercy. The wooden beam his hand rests on represents the cross,
anchoring his glory in his suffering. The inscription at the bottom is thought
to read: “In the 1465th of the Years of our Lord, Antonello de Messina
painted me” (this date, however, is disputed).
The paint is rubbed and much of it is transparent. Looking
at the hand Christ has raised in blessing, one will notice the outline of its
original placement further up. The artist’s intention may have been to straighten
the forefinger to direct the eye immediately to Christ’s gaze.
I am the resurrection and the life: he
that believeth in me, although he be dead, shall live. And every one that
liveth, and believeth in me, shall not die for ever.
-John 11:25-26
