#10769 S M Felez

The composition presents a stark and unsettling scene set against a backdrop of devastation. A figure is affixed to a wooden cross, secured by heavy chains. The cross itself bears a banner proclaiming Republica Española, immediately establishing a political context. This central figure appears emaciated, his body marked with what seem like wounds or scars, evoking associations with suffering and sacrifice.
Flanking the crucified individual are two distinct figures representing different historical periods and ideologies. To the left stands a Roman centurion, clad in traditional military attire, holding a brush and a bowl that seems to contain some sort of liquid – possibly symbolic of ritualistic cleansing or mockery. On the right, a man in a Nazi officer’s uniform observes the scene with an expression of detached amusement, wielding what appears to be a measuring device, perhaps suggesting clinical observation or quantification of suffering.
The setting is one of ruin and destruction; shattered buildings are visible in the distance, reinforcing a sense of societal collapse and conflict. The bright blue sky contrasts sharply with the grim events unfolding below, creating an unsettling juxtaposition.
Subtextually, the painting appears to be a commentary on political violence and oppression across time periods. By placing a Roman centurion alongside a Nazi officer, the artist suggests that brutality and subjugation are recurring themes in human history. The crucifixion of the central figure can be interpreted as representing the suppression of republican ideals or the persecution of those who oppose authoritarian regimes. The inclusion of seemingly mundane objects like the measuring device adds a layer of chilling detachment to the scene, implying a systematic and calculated approach to cruelty. Overall, the work conveys a powerful message about the cyclical nature of conflict and the enduring threat of totalitarianism.