The Strike of the Lance 1886 - 1894

James Tissot’s painting captures the moment a Roman soldier pierces Christ's side with a lance, an act laden with symbolic weight. Consider the lance itself, a motif echoing through millennia. As a tool of war and authority, it reminds us of the spears of Achilles and the lances of medieval knights. Here, it pierces not just flesh, but a profound symbol of faith. This gesture mirrors other acts of violence against divine figures throughout history; the emotional intensity is palpable. The soldier's action also has roots in ancient purification rituals, where piercing with a spear could symbolize cleansing or a test of divinity. Yet, the lance, forever associated with this moment, transcends its martial origins. It becomes a paradox—an instrument of death birthing renewed life. The cyclical, non-linear progression of this symbol highlights how meanings transform, yet resonate across time. The image engages us on a deeply subconscious level, a collective memory of sacrifice and redemption.