Bethesda 1876 - 1885

"Bethesda" (1876-1885) by Joel Ballin (1822-1885) is a powerful depiction of the biblical story of the Pool of Bethesda, a healing pool in Jerusalem. The scene shows a woman holding a young child, surrounded by other figures, some of whom are ill and waiting for a cure. Ballin's use of chiaroscuro and dramatic composition creates a sense of both hope and despair, capturing the spiritual weight of the moment. This work is a fine example of late 19th-century religious art, reflecting the artist's interest in biblical themes and the human condition.