Description: This is a fascinating and Unusual Vintage Modern CUBIST Surreal Jesus Christ Oil Painting on Wood, depicting the temptation of the Messiah by the Devil, who places his hands on Christ's shoulders and whispers nefarious promises into his ear. These figures are rendered in a surreal and Cubistic manner reminiscent of early Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973,) and have an unorthodox and visually striking presence. Signed and dated: "GRAHAM 67" in the lower right corner. Additionally, an old & yellowed original exhibition label on the verso of the painting reads: "The Temptation of Christ, 1957. Norman Graham." I could not find any information on this talented midcentury artist, but perhaps you know more about him or his work? Approximately 13 1/2 x 18 x 1/2 inches. Good overall condition for decades of age and storage, with speckles of paint loss, scuffing, scratches, and light edge wear throughout the painted surface (please see photos carefully.) Acquired in Los Angeles County, California. If you like what you see, I encourage you to make an Offer. Please check out my other listings for more wonderful and unique artworks! About this Artwork: The Temptation of Jesus ChristThe Temptation of Christ is described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. According to scripture, after being baptized by John the Baptist, Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the Judaean Desert. During this time, Satan appeared to Jesus and attempted to tempt him towards sin. Jesus, having refused each temptation, the Devil then departed, and Jesus returned to Galilee to begin his ministry.Satan's temptations were hedonism, egoism, and materialism. John the Evangelist, in his epistle, categorized these temptations as "lust of eyes" (materialism), "lust of body" (hedonism), and "pride of life" (egoism).Temptations intend to deceive and corrupt three main human characteristics: to think, wish and feel, which are inside the mind, soul, and heart, as Jesus alludes in the Greatest Commandment.These are related to transcendentals or ultimate ideals in three areas of human interests: science (truth), arts (beauty), and religion (goodness). Christians are called to seek divine virtues: faith, hope, and love that link them directly to God, who Himself is Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. The 3 Temptations of ChristIn Matthew and Luke, "the tempter" or "the devil" tempts Jesus to:1. Create bread out of stones to relieve his own hunger2. Leap from a pinnacle and rely on angels to break his fall.3. Kneel before Satan in return for all the kingdoms of the world.
Price: 975 USD
Location: Orange, California
End Time: 2024-11-30T03:06:41.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Artist: Norman Graham
Signed By: Norman Graham
Size: Small
Signed: Yes
Period: Post-War (1940-1970)
Title: "The Temptation of Christ"
Material: Oil, Wood
Region of Origin: California, USA
Framing: Unframed
Subject: Angels, Christ, Community Life, Figures, Men, Silhouettes, Still Life, Jesus
Type: Painting
Year of Production: 1957
Original/Licensed Reproduction: Original
Item Height: 18 in
Theme: Art, Biblical, Continents & Countries, Cultures & Ethnicities, Events & Festivals, History, People, Portrait, Religious
Style: Cubism, Expressionism, Figurative Art, Modernism, Portraiture, Surrealism
Features: One of a Kind (OOAK)
Production Technique: Oil Painting
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Handmade: Yes
Item Width: 13 1/2 in
Time Period Produced: 1950-1959
