'Guilty to Death' was painted in 1906 by the Russian master Vasily Polenov (1844–1927). It is part of the series of paintings entitled 'The Life of Christ,' completed by the artist in late 1890-1900s.
Vasily Polenov grew up in St. Petersburg, the son of affluent, artistic parents. He study art at the prestigious Imperial Academy of Arts, and also law at the university in Saint Petersburg. He was immersed in the Peredvizhniki movement of realist artists, reflected in this work above.
At 13, Vasily was impressed by Alexander Ivanov’s grandiose composition “The Appearance of Christ to the People” (1857). Polenov started to dream about succeeding him and “creating a Christ who is not only expected but who has already come into this world and making his way among the people.”
Throughout his life, Polenov painted a wide variety of subjects ranging from historical scenes to daily life to sitting portraits and landscapes, but his true passion was to bring the Gospel tales to life.
"I love the gospel tales beyond words," wrote Polenov in 1897. 'Guilty to Death' is a testament to his talent. An excellent short biography of the man's life and art can be found here.
All four Gospels give an account of Christ's 'trial' before the High Priest Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. Mark:53-65 offers a brief, yet perspicacious account:
"And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.
Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’ ”
And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!”
Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! What do you think?”
They answered and said, “He is deserving of death.”
Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?”"
Other artwork leading up to the Easter Week can be found here & here. It's the most wonderful time of the year.
(this artwork is in the public domain)
