Dark Torso

Artist

Jim Morphesis (American, b. August 26 1948)

Date

1992

Medium

Oil, charcoal, collage on wood panel

Dimensions

Work : 5 ft. 2 1/2 in. x 36 in. (1.6 m x 91.44 cm)

Credit Line

Hope College Collection

Object Number

1996.1.5

Label

Raised in a Greek Orthodox household, Jim Morphesis often draws on traditional Christian iconography in his work. This painting of a torso with its arms outstretched and a wound in its side recalls John 19:33-37. “But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. (He who saw this has testified so that you may also believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) These things occurred so that the scriptures might be fulfilled, ‘None of his bones shall be broken.’ And again another passage of the scripture says, ‘They will look on the one whom they have pierced.’”