A matter of appreciation...for the believer. A matter of appreciation...for the enthusiast.

I ran across (no pun intended) this sonnet published in 1630 by Jacobus Revius a Protestant poet and preacher who through a self-accusatory technique which many 17th century artists of the Calvinistic reformist movement employed to examine their relationship to Christ and profess their guilt for his continued suffering. It is in my opinion a reflective and self-depricating view of sin and Jesus' sacrifice. It means nothing if you don't believe. It, the paintings and poems are just that; words on paper, colors on canvas. But for those who do believe it has a chilling affect.

In Rembrandt van Rijns' (1606-69) historic painting "the raising of the cross" c.1633 he has painted himself in the scene as Christ's executioner with his trademark artist beret. Not as a solider following orders from his commanding officer or as a lowly roman subject of Prefect Pontius Pilate assisting in the slow and painful execution called a crucifixion; but as someone in command of his own role literally at the "center" of this epic depiction. 

It is a quiet piece that is voluminous. It tugs at the core of the Christian message. It is a role that one does not view him or herself in. It is for introspective thought, contemplation, reflection and even just mere appreciation of words, color and form...beautiful art...beautiful poetry.





'Tis not the Jews who crucified,

Nor who betrayed you in the judgment place,

Nor who, Lord Jesus, spat into your face,

Nor who with buffets struck you as you died

'Tis not the soldiers who with brutal fists

Raised the hammer and raised the nail

Or the cursed wood on Calvary's hill,

Or drew lots, tossed the dice to win your cloak.

I am the one, oh Lord, who brought you there,

I am the heavy tree, too stout to bear,

I am the rope that reined you in.

The scourge that flayed you, nail and spear,

The blood-soaked crown they made you wear,

'Twas all for me, alas, 'twas for my sin.