ARTWORKS

Christ as 'The Light of the World'

Paris Bordone (1500–1571)

The National Gallery, London

Christ as 'The Light of the World'

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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Christ's hand is raised with his index finger pointing upwards, perhaps towards heaven, represented by the sunlit sky through the window. He holds a scroll inscribed: EGO. SVM. LVX. MŪD. meaning 'I am the Light of the World' (John 8: 12). Christ goes on to promise that 'he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,' underlining his role as saviour.Paintings of this type were kept in houses, especially in bedrooms and also displayed in churches. The painting is signed on the plinth of the pillar.The hatching of the shadows in Christ's eyes and the thin horizontal lines of white crossing his irises are typical of Bordone's style and can also be seen in his Portrait of a Young Woman. The red of Christ's garment has faded, making the highlights and shadows appear rather hard and abrupt.

The National Gallery, London

London

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Title

Christ as 'The Light of the World'

Date

about 1550

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 90.7 x W 74.7 cm

Accession number

NG1845

Acquisition method

Presented by Mrs Mary M. Wood through her brother, the Revd G. Greenwood, 1901

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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Artist or maker

Paris Bordone

1500–1571

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