The Virtual Gallery of Gary Lessord
The Crucifixion

The Crucifixion
18 x 30 signed print $70 + $11.20 S/H

Click on either image for an enlargement.

Each of these prints is hand signed by Gary.
Includes signed scripture sheets.
This Special Print Edition by the  Artist is only available through Gary's Studio and this web site.

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Contact Gary at KGLessord@aol.com

In June 1999 "The Crucifixion" was exhibited by invitation in the Rotunda of the United States Russell Senate Building in Washington, D.C.(exhibition sponsored by Christ Jesus Ministry,Inc.). I also had the great privilege of speaking in the Senate Caucus Room to a group of international artists on the subject of modern Christian images and their impact in the world today. Also the artwork is a featured painting in Jesus 2000, the International Traveling Exhibition, and most recently as the cover for"The Many Faces of Christ," a book of international museum and private collection artworks depicting Christ by such masters as Rembrandt, Caravaggio, El Greco, and Delacroix. The book was published by Addwall Pty. LTD in Australia. It is a great honor for me, as many of the old masters I studied in my graduate Master of Fine Arts program are included in the publication along with my own art.

During my career as a professional artist I have had many challenges and opportunities to express very diverse images and emotions. I believe no other piece of art I have created is as intense and spiritually rewarding as the oil I painted in 1979 entitled "The Crucifixion."

This image centers on Christ alone with turbulence in the sky. The angle is from the viewpoint of the thieves on the sides of Jesus. It was painted this way was so everyone who viewed Jesus' crucifixion would see Him as the thieves did on the cross. Opportunity is given to the viewer to either be convicted and call upon the love and grace of God's Son to save them, as the one thief did, or choose to deny the reality of Christ's sacrifice on the cross and perish, as the other thief. The reality of the atoning blood is placed undeniably before people in visual simplicity. A picture is worth a thousand words and combined with the Word of God it is that much more effective.

The importance of this work of art is in it's truth and reality. It would make no sense to me, as an artist, to depict such a monumental and all important moment in history without illustrating the true prophetic intensity of the Holy Scriptures. I thank the Lord that He has blessed my hands and heart through the painting and publication of this print. Sharing of the print has moved and blessed many people. "The Crucifixion" has been viewed in print and slide form in numerous churches, art exhibitions, and Christian music programs where I have had the privilege of giving my testimony. It has been effectively used by pastors, teachers, and evangelists in Sunday School, Easter services and many other occasions. Through God's blessing the print has had tremendous impact. The Holy Spirit has brought conviction, tears, silence, praise and the opening of hearts to the stark reality of the tremendous sacrifice Jesus poured out for us all.

The actual painting is the result of a process that the Lord personally began within me years ago when as a young boy I first saw the film "The Robe." What remained with me for many years was how Jesus so vividly cried out to His Father to forgive those who crucified Him. Years later, in the Lord's timing, He impressed upon me to begin painting His sacrifice. I sought to depict a very accurate portrayal of that prophetic moment in history. The following is a portion of the scripture through which I experienced the Lord's direction and leading:

• "All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: "He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him." (Psalm 22:7,8)
• "I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. My strength has dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me." (Psalm 22:14-17)
• "They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst." (Psalm 69:21)
• "I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting." (Isaiah 50:6)
• "Just as there were many who were appalled at him - his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness - so will he sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand." (Isaiah 52:14,15)
• "Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:4,5)
• The gospel accounts: Matthew 26 & 27, Mark 14 & 15, Luke 22 & 23, and John 19.

Areas of symbolism in "The Crucifixion" include:

1. The stripes of color on Jesus' side - "...by his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5) (KJV)
2. The green thorns on Jesus' head - on His way to Calvary Jesus spoke to the daughters of Jerusalem and told them "...do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children...For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?" (Luke 23:28,31)
3. The sky to the right of Jesus which shows a red side wound slash - which symbolizes Jesus' wounds recorded in heaven and the fact that there is nothing anyone could ever do to reverse the finished work of Christ on the cross. Jesus was sacrificed once for all. (Hebrews 7:27; 9:27,28; 10:10)

My prayer is that these prints will continue to minister the atoning blood, grace and love of Jesus Christ. It is the desire of my heart to continually expand and focus the use of my God given talents to help share the Gospel.

All Scripture is taken from NIV unless otherwise indicated. A signed testimonial brochure is included with each signed and titled print ordered.