This Art Guide video is to be used at Step 3: Contemplation of Columban Visio Divina - A resource to help you pray using the images and Art Guide of the 2022 Columban Art Calendar.
Suffer the little children, Oil on copper (detail), mid 19th century by Carl Block (Museum of Natural History, Denmark)
This emotive oil painting on copper by Danish artist Carl Block (1834–1890) narrates the Gospel verses in the writings of three evangelists (Luke 18:16, Matthew 18:3; 19:14, and Mark 10:14): “And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.”
Jesus’ words of rebuke to his disciples and his acceptance of the little children in need of healing are poignantly conveyed through this painting. Carl Block evokes the humility of all who trust in His healing presence. The painting also has an instructive intent for the viewer, indicating that Jesus embraces all peoples no matter what their age or origins, treating them with the dignity of God’s children created in His image and likeness and who have been redeemed through His love.
Oil on copper painting is the process of using oil paints with copper as the support, rather than canvas, which can rot and decay with mildew over time. A white or grey ground layer of oil paint was applied as a type of primer before the colour was added.
