Angels with Crown of Thorns and Crucufix Artwork Analysis - Essay Example

Angels with Crown of Thorns This sculpture s back to 1968 and it is documented to have been done by an artist known as Paolo Naldini. It is of Italian origin and its current location is at the Western side of the Ponte Sant’Angelo in Rome, Italy. This artwork engages the viewer through its thorny crown, and most importantly, the writings on it which state, “In aerumna mea dum configitur spina” ("in my affliction, whilst the thorn is fastened upon me", Psalms 31:4). The viewer’s attention is captured by the writing, which then takes their mind back to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

The artwork refers to the historic context of the time of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ where he was covered with the crown of thorns. This is relevant to the Catholics and the Christian family as a whole as it gives them a reason to show their respect to Christ for carrying their own afflictions on their behalf (RiceUniversity, 2009). Crucufix (Body of Christ) This artwork dates back to the 17th Century where it was done by an artist known as Andreas Praefcke. The artwork is of Italian origin and is normally placed in most catholic churches in the world.

The viewer is engaged through the posture of the artwork where it is placed a way to show how painful it was for Christ to be persecuted and now crucified. The viewer’s attention is captured by the pierced palms and the manner in which Christ was crucified without clothing. The historical context of this artwork simply implies the remembrance of Christ’s crucifixion to the Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans and the Eastern Orthodox. It is an ancient symbol of Christ’s body (CEJ, 2010).