Christ with the cup Ilya Repin (1844-1930)

The painting depicts Jesus Christ wearing a crown of thorns, looking upwards with a gaze that conveys both suffering and divine contemplation. He is dressed in a white robe, a symbol of purity and divinity. In his left hand, he holds a piece of bread, likely representing his body, which he offered for humanity. In his right hand, he holds a golden chalice filled with red liquid, symbolizing his blood and the sacrament of communion or the Last Supper.

Subtexts:

• The Last Supper and Eucharist: The bread and the cup are direct references to the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the Eucharist, a central sacrament in Christianity. The act of holding these items signifies his sacrifice and the ongoing remembrance of his act of love.
• Suffering and Sacrifice: The crown of thorns is a potent symbol of Jesuss suffering and his ultimate sacrifice on the cross. This element underscores the painful nature of his atonement for the sins of humanity.
• Divine Revelation and Hope: Jesuss upward gaze suggests he is in communication with or receiving guidance from a higher power (God the Father). This pose can be interpreted as a moment of divine revelation, acceptance of his destiny, and a gesture of hope for believers.
• Redemption and Eternal Life: The red liquid in the chalice represents Jesuss blood, which Christians believe cleanses them of sin and offers the promise of eternal life. It symbolizes the shedding of blood for the redemption of humankind.
• Transcendence: The soft, ethereal background with hints of light and color contributes to an otherworldly atmosphere, suggesting the divine and transcendent nature of the scene and the figure of Christ.