V. Simon the Cyrene helps Carry the Cross
Irene Perez-Omer

In keeping with the tradition of Byzantine Art, specifically icons, I have derived the painting of Simon of Cyrene from the Novgorod School of Russian-Byzantine Iconography. This artistic style is my preferred mode of expression because of its beauty, symbolism, simplicity of form, and depth of meaning. In iconography, the depictions of Christ usually exhibit an intentional absence of excessive physical suffering. This is of great importance when Jesus Christ is represented because it underscores the presence of Christ's Divine nature. This is not to say that the physical aspect of His suffering is ignored. Rather, it is conveyed through the symbolism of color and composition. The red cross and the red border that frames the picture represent the color of blood - the suffering. The cave represents His death and the green mountains His resurrection - green being the color of life. Christ's robe is crimson to indicate that it is the robe the soldiers put on Him to mock Him - the robe of an earthly king; it is not the robe of His Divine kingship. With hands tied, Christ follows behind Simon. His body bowed slightly, He looks as if He is the same height as everyone else. He shows complete humility and obedience. During His sojourn among us, Jesus Christ possessed both human and Divine natures. His physical suffering must not let us forget His Divinity. The knowledge of Christ's resurrection must be foremost in our minds when we contemplate His suffering and death on the cross. This was the purpose of His willing sacrifice - to conquer death by death, bestowing life to all.