Christ Appearing to his Mother - Essay Example

Juan was an early Netherlandish painter which is a combination of early Renaissance and late Gothic styles (Welton23-24). This piece of art has a sense of illusionism expressed by mimesis. That means that the scene appears to be real as expressed by the artist. The portrait has a sense of depth. It makes an observer feel like he or, she can walk into the scene. This style closely relates to photorealism in which the artwork appears like a camera copy of the scenario. Both styles have a deep sense of realism (Heilbrunn2009).

It is an oil painting done on wood.The portrait is one of the famous iconographies of that era (the fifteenth century). Therefore, it has significant religious value. The original was part of a triptych altarpiece in a Catholic church.The portrait has some aspects of realism as it appears lifelike. It also is exceptionally bright. The trees in the background appear to sway in a gentle breeze. Juan strives to reflect the scenario as part of the natural world.The theme of the artwork is the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ.

Mary appears surprised by the vision of her son. There is a Bible next to her which implies the word of God and His prophecies. It appears that the Bible has been a source of refuge for her since the crucifixion of her son. Jesus appears to be showing her the evidence of his death, which is the holes in his hands and feet, as well as the slit in His side. In the background is Christ rising from the tomb after His crucifixion.