Station of the Cross No. 13: "Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross c. 1936

William Herbert, who lived to be 100 years old, made this painting, Station of the Cross No. 13: "Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross," at some unknown date with an expressive, illustrative style. The warm hues of red, green, and brown create a scene of gentle compassion and a sense of sacred drama, like a folk tapestry. I see the artist carefully building up thin washes of color, almost like watercolor. I imagine him, brush in hand, leaning in close, maybe squinting a little, deciding where to place each delicate stroke. How did he choose that ochre for the background? What was he thinking when he painted the pained expressions on the faces? There is an intriguing contrast between the somber subject matter and the almost naïve quality of the figures. The artist’s hand trembles as he depicts Christ being removed from the cross, and the sorrowful figures offer a window into a deeply felt personal experience, as if he were drawing not just from observation but from memory and empathy. William Herbert’s unique vision stands as a testament to how one’s personal journey can leave a lasting impact, inspiring us to contemplate our own paths and find new meanings in the ever-evolving story of art.