Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Sunday 17 April 2022

He Is Risen!


Resurrection.JPG

The Resurrection 
Piero della Francesca

Image: Wikipedia 

Christ is Risen. Alleluia!
He is Risen Indeed. Alleluia!

Memorably described in 1925 by Aldous Huxley as “the greatest painting in the world” Piero della Francesca’s The Resurrection in Sansepolchro, created needs little introduction and invites reflection, humility and prayer.

The physicality of the painting, like the ones I have written about over the Triduum, gives it an impact that makes it so exceptional yet so accessible. Here is the resurrection of the body in a very real body, not ethereal but genuine flesh and muscle. This is a figure of Christ in which to put one’s faith and trust. As Huxley observed tjis is the face of a man - Man - who has been to the Dead and returned. Nothing less, nothing more.

For those who want to read more about its history and composition, its symbolism and significance I would suggest The Resurrection (Piero della Francesca) from Wikipedia, an article by Christine Zappella which can be read at both Piero della Francesca, Resurrection on Smart History and at Piero della Francesca, Resurrection from Khan Academy and, from the Edinburgh DominicansPiero della Francesca's Resurrection of Christ


A Holy and Joyful Easter to all my readers



1 comment:

Matthew F Kluk said...

Resurrexit sicut dixit alleluia! Thank you for this post!