Deus sub contrario - Ernesto Lamagna

Why a skull under the Crucified?

First of all it is appropriate to say that it is a bronze sculpture, that represent Jesus caught in the act of utmost pain, as we can deduce from the grim expression on his face.

The “Deus Sub Contrario” and his pain, is made even more dramatic by the dimension of the sculpture (1,75 m), that has a realistic height, the link between the skull and the Crucified underlines the theme of death removing the divine nature of Jesus and highlighting his human nature i.e. subject to suffering and pain. Christ is presented not as a “God” but as a human being servant of humanity.

The skull is in contrast with the universal ideal we have about crucifixion as a form of triumph of Jesus over death; but here the “Deus” is overcame by death as anyone common man in the very moment of breathing his last.

“The contemplation of this sculpture leads to the real essence of faith.”