Christ Praying in the Wilderness

     

Christ Praying in the Wilderness, 2025
Oil and gold leaf on linen
35.5 x 45.7 cm | 14 x 18 in

After receiving his baptism from John, Jesus went to the desert to be tempted by the devil and to fast. Occasionally, Jesus would leave his followers to pray alone to the Father on a mountain. This painting is a depiction of Jesus praying on such an occasion. 

The figure is seen in isolation, separated from his followers and from the viewer who can only observe from afar. The distance and the visual space around Jesus reinforce His need to be alone. Although He is by Himself, Jesus prays for the whole world while facing the landscape unfolding before Him. The sky is made of gold leaf to represent the presence of God the Father. 

In 1st-century Judea, men typically wore tunics made of bleached or undyed linen. Jesus, however, is traditionally depicted wearing a red robe with a blue cloak, which helps viewers easily identify Him in crowded scenes. Since Jesus is alone here, I have chosen natural and realistic colours instead.