Thursday, January 11, 2007

Beneath the Cross of Jesus



A marvellous gift has been made to the Art Gallery of Toronto by developer Murray Frum. It is a sculpture of the crucifixion of Christ by the 17th century artist Bernini. I will pilfer the description of Bernini in today's Toronto Star:

Bernini is known for his work at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, especially an immense gilt-bronze baldachin (ornamental canopy) with twisted columns, created between 1624 and 1633, as well as Vatican papal tombs. But he's best loved for several great fountains in Rome.

I look forward to contemplating this devotional piece created by one of the great artists of his time. It is ironic that this depiction of the shameful execution of "a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief," who left this world with no material legacy, is valued at $50 million.

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