Hungarian Christ 1968

Piroska Szanto made this piece, Hungarian Christ, with paint on what looks like canvas. The artist has used an interesting palette of creams, reds, and blacks, a somewhat limited range but powerfully used to create drama. It’s clear that the process of painting was important. Looking at the surface, you can really see the hand of the artist. The paint isn’t overworked, it’s applied quite loosely, almost gesturally. The brushstrokes are visible, creating a texture that feels immediate and raw. I’m drawn to the way Szanto handles the figure of Christ. The body is rendered with a kind of muted palette, and this really emphasizes the suffering. This rawness reminds me a little of some of the early German Expressionists, like Emil Nolde, who weren't afraid to embrace the raw power of emotion in their work. This feels like an ongoing conversation about how we depict suffering, how we make it real and present. It’s a powerful piece, open to many interpretations, and that's what makes it so compelling.