Picture in Focus: The Crucifixion by Antal Fery

March 7, 2021

Picture in Focus: The Crucifixion by Antal Fery

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. (John 19:25-27, KJV)
In the final weeks of Lent, I will be presenting four different depictions of the Crucifixion by East European ex libris artists. Hungarian Graphic Artist Antal Fery represents an older generation of book plate makers, who revived the art form after World War II. He created over 2000 woodcut ex libris, like this image of the Crucifixion, which closely follows historical representations of the events of Good Friday. While soldiers cast lots for the garments of the Crucified Christ, we see the three Marys mentioned in the Gospel of John at the foot of the Cross. The Apostle John protectively holds the Virgin Mary, whom he will take this day into his home, while the wife of Cleophas keeps watch. An uninhibited Mary Magdalene clings to the Cross, her free-flowing tresses marking her as the fallen woman of now, largely discredited, biblical tradition. This new wood cut book plate from Fery can be found on the East European Ex Libris page of the Schools of Sacred Art section. (John Kohan)