Carl Bloch (1834–90) created many beautiful paintings and etchings in his lifetime. One of the most magnificent, in my opinion, is the oil-on-canvas altarpiece from Sofia Albertina Kyrka in Landskrona, Sweden, which Bloch painted in 1884, only six years before his death. It is entitled “Christus Consolator” or “Come Unto Me.” With over 1% of Sweden’s population emigrating annually from Sweden to America during the 1880s, it is likely some of the original congregation who first saw this painting in their church left for America and never saw it again. Now, this painting has come to America, as if following those who came here and left it in years past. My ancestors came from Sweden, so I feel a special connection to this piece of Bloch’s work, as though it followed me from the land of my ancestors to bring me a message of peace and hope.
The message of “Christus Consolator” is well expressed in the Savior’s own words, as quoted by Matthew: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11: 28–30). The painting shows the blind, lame, captive, beggar, widow, fatherless and others gathering at the feet of the Savior’s towering presence—his size in comparison to the others represents his omnipotence and ability to protect them. His arms are outstretched to the viewer, inviting one and all to come join those at his feet and be protected as they are “under his wings” (Matt. 23: 37).
I thought the presentation of Bloch’s pictures at Brigham Young University’s Museum of Art was very tastefully done. On the wall at the beginning was a quote from Carl Bloch, which said, “God helps me, that is what I think, and then I am calm.” This motto applied not only to Bloch’s personal life, but also to the impression his work and the exhibit left with me. Beautiful, classical music filled the museum instead of the hymns one might expect, reminding visitors that Christ invites those of all denominations to come to him. Many of the altarpieces were framed in a way that suggested the front of a church, letting one get a brief feel for what the picture must have looked like in its original church setting. Overhead lighting made the pictures of Christ sparkle, showing that his light comes from above. The altarpieces had chairs tastefully set in front of them so visitors could sit and contemplate.
I took the opportunity to sit in front of “Christus Consolator” and think for a while. The beautiful message of hope and peace soaked into me as I sat there, and I thought about my own life. I was reminded that I can come to Christ, and he will always be there for me, even in my darkest and most troubled hours. Even when I have no other hope, he will be there for me. “Christus Consolator” was the last piece of the exhibit, and I left with a renewed feeling of peace and hope, and a determination to come to Christ. I know God will help me, so I can be calm. That’s what Bloch’s exhibit did for me.
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