Gospel in Art: Feast of Saint John of the Cross

The Crucifixion, by Saint John of the Cross, 1572 © Convento de la Encarnación, Avila, Spain

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 14 December 2024
Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

As they were coming down the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, 'Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?' He answered, 'Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognise him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.' Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Reflection on the drawing

Today, we celebrate the Feast of Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591), the Spanish mystic, poet, and Carmelite friar renowned for his spiritual writings, particularly The Dark Night of the Soul. While Saint John is not commonly associated with visual art, he created a remarkable stamp-sized drawing of the Crucifixion in 1572.

This small sketch inspired Salvador Dalí's famous painting, Christ of Saint John of the Cross (Kelvingrove Gallery, Glasgow). Dalí's canvas depicts Christ from an aerial perspective, suspended on the cross over a tranquil lake with a boat and fishermen, echoing the mystical viewpoint captured in Saint John's drawing.

Saint John created this sketch following a mystical vision. He gave it to a Carmelite nun in the convent where he served as confessor, and it remains preserved in Ávila, Spain, mounted in a reliquary that also contains a small fragment of his bone. Despite its modest size, the drawing carries immense power and spiritual depth. The image offers an extraordinary aerial perspective, showing Christ crucified as if seen from above, perhaps representing how God the Father viewed his son at the moment of his ultimate sacrifice. Christ's head hangs heavily upon his chest, his face obscured. His arms, wrenched and dislocated, speak to the brutal agony of the Crucifixion. The weight of his lifeless body pulls down on his hands, which appear torn from the strain. This simple yet evocative drawing conveys the profound physical and spiritual suffering of Christ in a way that transcends its scale.

Though small, Saint John's drawing is a striking meditation on the Passion, offering a unique perspective that invites deep reflection on the sacrifice of Christ. It is a testament to the mystical insight of Saint John of the Cross and his ability to communicate profound truths, not only through words but also through this intimate work of art.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-17-9a-10-13-2024/