Henri Matisse
Date:
1951
Medium:
Black enamel brushwork on ceramic panel

Visual Description:
Station 12 is positioned in the center of the top row. The scene, representing the Station in which Jesus dies on the cross, is the largest scene in the mural, measuring approximately six tiles high and three tiles wide. A few quick lines indicate a figure representing Jesus’ limp body affixed to a cross, with his head, torso, arms, and legs clearly defined. The figure’s arms extend upwards in a deep V-shape, positioning the body as if it were hanging heavily from its arms on the cross. The figure’s head tilts downward, perhaps showing exhaustion, resignation, or death. Below the cross, two loosely represented forms, painted as organic, blob-like shapes, appear to bow down, in mourning for Jesus.

BMA

Station 12: Prayer

Transcript

[Fr. Josemaría Guzmán-Domínguez] The Twelfth Station. This is the culminating moment in Jesus’
Passion. As he dies on the cross for love of us, he can redeem all the suffering of the world.
Let us pray. Father, into thy hands, I commend my spirit. And into your hands, Jesus Christ, my most
merciful redeemer, infinite love. I commend myself in the hour of death, my body and soul, my heart and my
mind and my will, all that I have and all that I am. Amen.