Christ Diving the Traders from the Temple- El Greco

• Synchronic Elements
  • This painting displays Jesus and a righteous and authoritative figure who is cleansing the temple of sinners. The exaggerated expressions display the shock of the traders and the anger of Jesus, reinforcing the theme of divine judgement. The setting shows a traditional setting, making the scene easily recognizable to viewers.
• Diachronic Elements
  • El Greco’s style when painting this scene displays harsh lights and shadows, and distorted proportions that breaks the viewer away from reality. His use of this style conveys harsh emotions and invites viewers to view the painting more symbolically than literally. This can cause viewers to interpret the scene as a statement on the broader concept of corruption, rather than just the Biblical story.

Samson and Delilah- Rubens

• Synchronic Elements
  • Rubens portrays Delilah as a seductive betrayer and Samson as a fallen hero. The positioning of the two people supports the interpretation that the story is one of deceit and downfall, as Delilah looks triumphant and Samson looks vulnerable. The intensity of the lighting and colors reinforces themes of sin and consequences.
• Diachronic Elements
  • Samson is portrayed as a large and muscular man, suggesting the the strength given to him manifested physically, and that his strength being taken from him would probably do the same. The older woman sadly peering over Delilah’s shoulder may just be representative of Delilah looking back on her actions years later. This depiction invited views to consider that Delilah may not be strictly a villain, but also as a woman making a choice for her own livleyhood in a male-dominated world. The scene creates sympathy for both Delilah and Samson.

The Virgin and Child Embracing- Sassoferrato

• Synchronic Elements
  • This painting displays the kind and soft love felt between The Virgin Mary and her child, Jesus. The gentle lighting and simple background invites the viewer to consider nothing but the pure love felt between mother and child. The painting inspires religious devotion (Mother’s devotion to child is to devotion between God and human).
• Diachronic Elements
  • The theme of maternal love this painting displays invites an extremely personal interpretation of the work. The tenderness between mother and child is one felt by even people outside of the Christian faith. Some may view the scene as one depicting all mother and child relationships, rather than solely Mary and Jesus’s.

Critical Engagement

• Synchronic Elements
  • The synchronic approach ensures that depictions of stories from the Bible remain consistent with Christian traditions, helping to maintain continutity between culture and history. This allows viewers to connect more deeply with Christian themes. However, a strictly synchronic approach can be limiting as it may prevent alternative interpretations and restrict appreciation of the art to strictly Christians.
• Diachronic Elements
  • A diachronic approach allows for a more personal connection with the artwork, making it more meaningful to more people. This encourages reinterpretation and keeps the artwork alive over generations. However, this allowance of multiple interpretations can distort the original meaning of the story.