Acrylic on stretched canvas
"This was one of two studies I painted, based on the subject of a corpse being removed from the torture stake following his death. This was a common method of execution in the first century, usually reserved for those judged as criminals: archaeology suggests that Christ was murdered in this manner...nailed to an 'upright stake' or 'pole'...NOT 'crucified' on a 'cross' structure. I must say that the paintings (both this one and a smaller version) were greatly influenced by the Beckmann painting of Christ being removed from the stake, painted during the early 20th century. The corpses body is intentionally painted 'stiffly'...subliminally
conveying the idea that there could still be 'life' in him. To add to this idea is the gesture of the 'corpses' hand on his own head, perhaps bemoaning his own fate. The 'exotic' look of the 'corpse' was done intentionally. The anguished faces of those removing the corpse are undoubtedly those of family, friends, followers..."
