Today, billions of Christians worldwide observe Good Friday and look forward to Easter Sunday.
Over 500 years ago, before Christopher Columbus set sail on his historic voyage to the new world, this 5-panel painting was created in honor of the Easter season.
Painted by Benvenuto di Giovanni, whose name means “Welcome, God is gracious”, the piece is a reminder that art has purpose and suffering has meaning.
The polyptych is named Passion of Our Lord and traces Jesus’s steps throughout Holy Week.
The first panel, The Agony in the Garden, shows the second Adam’s battle in Gethsemane.
It ends with The Resurrection and reveals the vindication of Jesus Christ.
If you’re in town this weekend, this 5-panel work by Benvenuto di Giovanni should be on your list of what to see in Washington, D.C. You can find it in Gallery 8 of the West Building in the National Gallery of Art.
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