Ecce Homo
(April, 2007)
varnished tempera on watercolor board
20 inches x 30 inches
this piece is currently
available for purchase.
email me if you like.
The title in Latin means "Behold the Man," but of course 'homo' in popular English refers to a homosexual person.
Many Medieval and Western Renaissance paintings of Jesus Christ being turned over by Pontius Pilate to the Jews to be mocked and crucified bear the title "Ecce Homo." Obviously there has been a role substitution here on my part - in place of Pilate stands a preacher; and in place of Jesus with the crown of thorns, purple robe and reed sits a homosexual man bound, clothed in ridicule.
By vilifying the fags and dikes who threaten to undermine the moral integrity of our great nation, Christians - whether by sermonizing or jest - have made the Church an unsafe place for those struggling with their sexual orientation.
Brothers, when we condemn any person categorically, without taking the time first to listen to them, know, respect and love them, "beholding the man" is exactly not what we are doing. We dehumanize those children of God whom we judge.
baker