My Admiration For Carl Bloch Art

Carl Heinrich Bloch. One of the dopest, coolest artists I admire.  At about 7 years old, I remember picking up my family's bible and mesmerized at his artwork inside. Many of his work involved Jesus Christ and his ministry. His art laid out visuals that were stunning and captivating.  I was extremely fascinated at his colors, his invoking themes, and his realistic facial expressions.  

Take a look at this painting called "Casting Out The Money Changers" in which Jesus is upset that his church temple has been transformed into a den of thieves.  The religious people have turned his temple into a money making scheme. A somewhat Ponzi scheme. The vendors are selling salvation to the people for an exorbitant amount of money.  Jesus becomes upset and drives them out of the temple.  A turning point for Jesus's ministry as the Pharisees see Jesus as a threat to their culture.  

Casting Out the Money Changers

Carl Heinrich Bloch

The artist, Carl Heinrich Bloch, was a Danish man born in 1834 Copenhagen, Denmark.  He studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Art and heavily influenced by the legendary, Rembrandt.  He was married to a lady named Alma Trepka in which it was documented that she died at an early age leaving him with 8 children to parent. And at a very young age of 56 years old,  Mr. Bloch life ended due to cancer. 

Personally, his artwork was instrumental in building the foundation of why I became an artist. Bloch's realism so realistic that it was "surreal".  His emotional pull for each piece was magnetizing.  But most importantly, what Bloch's artistry delivered to me at an early age was my pique interest in who Jesus was and a deepening attraction for Jesus's teachings.  Basically, I give credit to Bloch's art for opening my heart to Jesus. 

The Transfiguration Painting

He used his colors brilliantly. Take a look at The Transfiguration Painting.  Here you can see the darkness behind the disciples (foreground) and the bright colors on Jesus in the clouds (background). Contrasting colors to create movement of the audience eyes  The bright colors pulls the viewers eyes towards the lighted area and away from the dark areas.  Many artists are known to using lighting techniques to have the viewer focus on a certain aspect of the painting.

In addition, there is also another double entendre that exists independently within this light and dark theme of the painting. A spiritual light and dark theme.  The understanding of darkness vs the light that we struggle spiritually in our everyday lives.  Here the painting depicts that clearly and honestly.  Jesus is the light.  

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (ESV)

The Transfiguration

Carl Heinrich Bloch

Please take a moment and search "Carl Henrich Bloch's artwork". His religious work is absolutely stunning and awe-inspiring. "Healing at the Pool of Bethesda" to "The Denial of Peter" are just some of his greatest work. 

Even til this day, there is great controversy on Jesus's appearance, most notably, the color of His skin. Mr. Carl Bloch does take the route that Jesus is a pale white man in much of his religious paintings.  However, by looking past this cultural dilemma, Mr. Carl Bloch still captures and depicts something greater than the color of his skin.... and that is, the emotional seriousness of each biblical story.  Personally, he transcends the skin color narrative by drawing the audience into a more spiritual connection with the scene.  His skillful paintings transport all of us to a time of despair, confusion, and strife and subconsciously writes a story of hope, love, and comfort in each stroke of the paintbrush.  

I am grateful that Jesus led me to Carl Bloch's artwork with admiration and a youthful curiosity. Again, I owe much of my art and deepening relationship with Christ to Carl Bloch's artistry. 

I am, also, thrilled Carl Bloch used his gift to glorify the one who deserves all the glory... Jesus Christ.  I can only imagine the interaction with Jesus and Carl Bloch as he enters heaven.  Jesus meticulously scrutinizing his art and preparing for his judgment... as He leans in to Carl Bloch....  He whispers to Carl Bloch...."well done... well done...good and faithful servant."