Cristo with Thorns, Huexotla Possibly 1933 - 1967

Here is a photograph of Cristo with Thorns, Huexotla, by Paul Strand. In this black and white photograph, the carved wooden figure of Christ seems to be brought to life. Strand’s close attention to the sculpture’s textures and form—the grain of the wood, the drape of the fabric, and the intricate details of the crown of thorns—invites a deep, emotional engagement. You know, as a painter, I’m always thinking about how materials speak. In this photograph, the way light caresses the figure, it reminds me of Caravaggio's paintings, where light and shadow create a theatrical depth, full of drama and feeling. I wonder if Strand was thinking about similar things? What resonates most is how the image captures a moment of quiet contemplation, a silent dialogue between the artist, the subject, and us. We see this figure through the lens of Strand's eye but also see the mark of the hand that carved the sculpture so many years before. It's an image layered with time and feeling.