Christus 1916

Here we have a drawing by Amedeo Modigliani titled "Christus," rendered with pencil on paper. Dominating the composition is the iconic figure of Christ on the cross, a symbol deeply embedded in Western culture, representing sacrifice, redemption, and spiritual transcendence. The image of the crucified Christ, with arms outstretched, is a powerful motif that echoes through history. We can see its roots in ancient Roman crucifixion practices, adopted and transformed by Christianity. The gesture of the outstretched arms, even beyond its literal context here, reappears in various symbolic forms throughout art history—evoking supplication, despair, or a reaching towards the divine. In Modigliani's rendering, the raw, almost crude lines convey a sense of primal anguish and vulnerability. The emotional weight of the image taps into a collective memory of suffering and empathy. This is not merely a depiction of a historical event, but an exploration of profound human emotions, fear and pain, engaging the viewer on a visceral level. This potent symbol of the crucifixion—has resurfaced, transmuted, and reinvested with meaning across different eras, underscoring our enduring preoccupation with sacrifice and salvation.