"Christ the Consolator"

Danish painter Bloch studied in the Netherlands and then in Italy  where he became acquainted with the work of Rembrandt, which became a major influence on him. Viewing Rembrandt’s compassionate treatment of subjects—even common people with no social status—bolstered Bloch’s interest in painting everyday people and everyday moments. His early work featured rural scenes from everyday life. He was then commissioned to produce 23 paintings for the King's Chapel at Frederiksborg Palace. These were all scenes from the life of Christ. The originals, painted between 1865 and 1879, are still at Frederiksborg Palace. The altarpieces can be found  in Denmark, as well as in Sweden. Painting the life of Christ for 14 years had a spiritual influence on the artist.

Several features distinguish Bloch’s style:

› Light emanating from the figure of Christ

› Exact proportions of the human figure, demonstrating Bloch’s rigorous artistic training

› Chiaroscuro (theatrical use of light and dark), learned from observing Rembrandt

› Dramatic composition of scenes, almost like a play on stage

› The prominence of the “supporting cast,”

> One or more figures looking directly out at the viewer, giving the viewer the sense of standing inside the painting