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

Visual Description:
Station 1, the first scene in the Stations of the Cross story, is positioned in the lower left corner of the mural. It is approximately four tiles high and three tiles wide. A tall, arched canopy represented by two black lines extends over the top of a single figure seated on a platform facing right. The seated figure represents an officer of the Roman Empire who, in the story of the First Station of the Cross, accused Jesus of treason and condemned him to death by crucifixion. The platform and the seat on which the figure sits are decorated with an “X” form spanning the width of each, adding an uncommon, if limited, level of detail in the mural. Three figures, standing in front of the platform and facing the seated figure, are closely grouped together, depicted with only three narrowly spaced black lines. One is meant to represent Jesus at his trial, receiving his judgment.

BMA

Station 1: Prayer

Transcript

[Fr. Josemaría Guzmán-Domínguez] We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you because by your Holy Cross,
you have redeemed the world.
In this First Station, we reflect on how Jesus, before Pontius Pilate, was condemned to the death of a
criminal.
Let us pray. All powerful and eternal God, for proclaiming the truth your Son, Jesus Christ, is condemned to
death by crucifixion. Stir up your love in our hearts so that we might be ever faithful to all that You have told
us and fear nothing more than the loss of your friendship through sin. Amen.