Crucifixion (1959)

Preston’s Harris Gallery has a Carel Weight painting called Crucifixion. In it, he depicts Christ’s execution, yet the contemporary, 1959 crowd of onlookers seem little troubled. Some are curious, others oblivious. His works often show normal scenes, but with the inclusion of something unnerving or sinister- here it is the painful death of Christ. For this reason, he has been called the Alfred Hitchcock of British painting. Although the crowds are half-watching the event, even passing comment, they are not especially moved. How many today are ‘aware’ of the crucifixion of Christ, yet remained unshocked and unperturbed by its meaning:

-The Creator God Himself, the source of all life, submits and succumbs to death.

-Christ Jesus was brutally punished for crimes He never committed, that the criminals themselves should be pardoned.

-The deep love and great justice of a perfect God perfectly collide and embrace in the crucifixion of God’s own Son.

Too many observe the event from afar, even talking about it after watching some Easter film, but few will kneel down and believe its incredible meaning.