"Portrait of Our Lord" is a chiaroscuro still life painting, created as an exploration into Eucharistic theology. The painting features the eucharistic elements of bread and wine illuminated by candlelight. This work is intended to metaphorically represent Christ's sacramental omnipresence in the flesh and blood wherever the Mass is celebrated.
This painting features symbolic eucharistic elements bathed in candle light as a vehicle for portraying the Way, the Truth, and the Light. With a rosary laid next to the elements, this piece also aims to remind us how we all have direct access via prayer to daily interaction with our Lord and Savior.
The artist delved into the deep theological significance of the Eucharist while creating this piece. In the Catholic faith, the bread and wine are not merely symbols but are believed to undergo a process known as transubstantiation whereby they become the actual body and blood of Christ during the Mass. The bread while retaining the appearance of bread, becomes Christ's body making real His physical presence and sacrifice for humanity at every mass. The wine, transubstantially becomes His blood and speaks to the new covenant and the salvation offered through His sacrifice.
The candlelight adds a profound layer of meaning to the painting. It serves as a symbol of Christ being the way, the truth, and the light of the world. Additionally, it is reminiscent of the Holy Spirit's descent upon the Church, as described in the Acts of the Apostles. After Christ's ascension, the Holy Spirit appeared as tongues of fire upon the apostles, empowering them to spread the Gospel. This imagery of light and fire in the painting connects to the presence of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the continual guidance and illumination provided to the Church.
Through this painting, the artist invites viewers to contemplate the profound mystery of the Eucharist and the omnipresence of Christ in the sacrament, offering a visual meditation on the central elements of Catholic faith.
“This is the bread which cometh down from heaven; that if any man eat of it, he may not die.
I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give, is my flesh, for the life of the world.“
John 6:50-52
Reproduced from the artists original artwork of Oil on canvas 16 x 20. Painted 2024.
