PROPERTY FROM THE BENITO J. LEGARDA JR. COLLECTION

ABOUT THE WORK

The relleve is from a set of bas-relief panels depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross . Such a set was a must for every major church both in Colonial as well as present-day Philippines, both as a means of catechetical instruction as well for the celebration of the Holy Week. The impressive size of this individual panel is an indication of the size of the church of its origin, as well as the extent of its parish. Unfortunately, no collection notes exist which could point the exact origin of this relleve. Stylistically, it seems related to two large relleves in the Laya and Bravo collections, which are said to be from Catanduanes. The scene depicts Jesus upon his arrival at Golgotha. He has borne the cross and is now being readied for crucifixion. It is a tense moment in the crucifixion narrative, and certainly a humiliating one. The sculptor emphasizes this by balancing the calm stillness of Jesus with the frenzied action that surrounds him. Two tormentors strip him of the seamless garment for which they will later throw dice. Two more centurions are depicted in gestures both humane and cruel. One offers him a drink from a pitcher, while the other brandishes a scourge. A fifth centurion looks away from the frame, as if inviting the crowd of onlookers to jeer. The entire composition is grounded on the cross, as it lies in wait at the bottom of the composition. The sculptor has placed Jesus amidst all the opposing gestures and actions, placidly facing the viewer, inviting a contemplation of his suffering. And an acceptance of all earthly pain. - by Floy Quintos