Magyar Egyház, 2007 (86. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2007-07-01 / 1-2. szám
MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 5. oldal thereby lining up a superbly rich variety of the human spirit within one scene. It appears that in all three paintings Roman soldiers maintain order with their sharp spears, while in reality the crowd is oblivious to them. None of the images has a chaotic out of control mob, but a multitude whose attention is captured by the Jesusevent. In reality this becomes the governing principle of the otherwise disorderly scene, the ultimate rule perpetually exhibited in the whole chaotic series of events. Everyone focuses his or her attention on Christ; every character is obligated to relate to him. Actually everyone is a theatrical figure, least of all Jesus, God’s suffering servant. This could be articulated as Jesus being the center of attention, but the main character is man himself! Better yet, perpetual humanity with its own emotions, thoughts, conscience, religiousness, or ignorance and cynicism, however it has no choice but to bond with Jesus. escorted along, and the entire Sanhedrin marched over with Caiaphas in the lead. Pilate, whose seat of government was in Caesarea, happened to be in Jerusalem. Apostle John writes that the accompanying masses did not enter the Romans’ “impure edifice”,- “and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness the Jews did not enter the palace; they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. (John 18:28) Pilate came out, and the charges have been enumerated in a series of que-stions and answers. Not one word has been mentioned of what was discus-sed during the religious tribunal; here only political accusations have been voiced. This is the instant when we should direct our undivided attention unto Munkacsy’s painting, and the fascinating task may begin: to decipher the painter’s thoughts. What did he illustrate, and why so? Jesus appeared before Pilate for two interrogations. This is what sets off some confusion, in the mean time it hands us the explanation as well. Mihály Munkácsy: Christ before Pilate Mihály Munkácsy extensively struggled with this multitude of characters and this renders his canvases an inexhaustible resource of contemplation and marvel. Assuming familiarity with the descriptions of the Passion found in the four Gospels; let’s look at Trilogy’s individual pieces. Christ before Pilate -1881 It’s Friday morning. Based on the previous night’s hearing and early morning verdict, the great Sanhedrin in the religious trial has condemned Jesus to death. The lengthy trial ends with Caiaphas’, the presiding high-priest’s, grand finale: “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed God?”- he asked. For Jesus, this is status confessionis, or even: horn revelationis (John 2:4; 2:24). He replied: “ANI HU, -1 AM” “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." The high priest tore his clothes. "Why do we need any more witnesses?" he asked. "You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?" They all condemned him as worthy of death. (Mk. 14:61 and following) * Based on this and in accord with Jewish religious laws, Jesus should have been stoned; however the Romans removed their right of execution a while back. In order to validate the verdict of the religious trial they shifted the case unto a political platform, and conforming to the Palestinian customs of the time, arrived as a loud horde before the praetorium. Jesus, bound, was Dissecting the spatial and chronological elements lets begin with the ten people on either side of Pilate, representing the Sanhedrin, the grand council, made up by priests, legal and theological experts and elders. One of them, with his right hand pointing to Jesus, states the allegations. This accuser doesn’t necessarily have to Caiaphas, since it could have been any member of the grand council. Some seated behind them have a separate conference, probing Pilate’s face too, but mostly glance at Jesus from right and left. They shrewdly watch that everything goes as planned. Practically this is the very first phase, during which Jesus is portrayed as an instigator, an insurgent fighter and king messiah. (Luke. 23:2 and other passages) The conversation between Pilate and Jesus follows: “Are you the king of the Jews?”- Asks the governor doubtingly and with hesitance, - even disparagingly and domineeringly. This dialogue represents the second time plateau, and the entire painting’s mysteriously hidden, yet wonderfully displayed scene is, when Jesus says this: “Yes, it is as you say” (Luke 23:3) - “My kingdom is not of this world...” (John 18:36) In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” Pilate only replied: “What is truth?” (John 18:37-38) Pilate already sees that the man before him isn’t whom he is portrayed to be, not the sort whom the accusations could stick to. He gets buried in his thoughts, contemplating, yet not getting answers to matters of moral justice and mankind’s ability to sit in judgment. The gesture of his hand
