Jesus Dies Upon the Cross 1917

Curator: Eric Gill's wood engraving, "Jesus Dies Upon the Cross," immediately strikes me with its stark, almost brutal simplicity. Editor: Yes, the sharp contrasts and minimal detail certainly amplify the scene's inherent violence and sacrifice. I’m curious how this fits within Gill’s broader socio-political views. Curator: Gill, deeply influenced by his Catholic faith, often used his art to critique industrial society, advocating for a return to simpler, craft-based ways of living. This piece is a clear rejection of mass production. Editor: And the angel collecting Christ's blood feels significant, perhaps symbolizing the Church's role in perpetuating the narrative, but also a potential for redemption. Does this resonate with contemporary feminist theology? Curator: Indeed. It challenges patriarchal interpretations of sacrifice, possibly suggesting a transformative, rather than solely submissive, act. Editor: It leaves us contemplating power, faith, and the narratives we build around them. Curator: A potent image for reflecting on those very complexities.