Earlier this month, Caravaggio's 'Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy', a painting dating to 1606 arrived in India for an exhibition. This work, of historic importance, was only discovered in a private collection in 2014. Mary Magdalene has been mentioned several times in the Bible as a sinner who transformed into a devoted follower of Jesus. She was also one of the few to witness Christ’s crucifixion as well as resurrection. The painting depicts Mary in a state of trance, emotions heightened, light illuminating her face. She exudes a longing for passion, which could also be construed as pain and suffering. Mastering the technique of chiaroscuro, Caravaggio was seen as an outlaw, one who played with light and created a mood of drama in his paintings. While several artists of the time painted heavenly, biblical scenes, in continuation with the style of the Renaissance, Caravaggio painted realistic figures. He would humanise biblical creatures, making his works relatable to the general audience. Similar in certain ways to what Raja Ravi Varma did with Indian Gods and Goddesses centuries later.
Christ's crucifixion is a common topic in Western art, one that many Indian artists such as Francis Newton Souza have also incorporated and experimented with in Modern times. As Easter weekend commences, the forty day period of Lent comes to an end. The tradition of abstinence and fasting is oddly enough seen in various religions and cultures during this time of the year. Artists across religions have explored this subject in their oeuvre. Some claim it is a period of self-control and sacrifice, a form of penance, while others mark this time as one of religious and spiritual purification and reflection.
Renaissance artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder beautifully draws parallels between a feast and abstinence. ‘The Fight Between Carnival and Lent’ is a fascinating piece of work depicting two hundred characters. Part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna’s collection, the painting features two main protagonists, Lent and Carnival. The figure of Lent is a skinny woman while the figure of Carnival is a podgy fat butcher. A number of narratives are being explored by the artist between the two hundred characters present but the spotlight remains on the contrast between gluttony, which is considered one of the seven deadly sins and complete abstinence. Pieter leaves us to decide what, if either of the two extremes is superior or better than the other.
‘The Fight Between Carnival and Lent’, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, 1559, Wikipedia
A simple, cotton curtain or veil is often used in churches during the days prior to Easter. A solemn period, one of abstinence, reverential contemplation and reflection, forbids the devotee to see the ostentatious, grandeur of the altar. A hand-woven fabric, made with local dyes, depicting the crucifixion of Christ is seen at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. A similar more ornately woven bordered piece is part of the Dallas Museum of Art. Both works of art are testament to the importance of practising self-control and dwelling into deep reflection during the pious period of Lent.
Similarly, several literaries, authors and poets write about this time period as they introspect and eschew. This compendium of thoughts is prevalent across religions. Be it the learnings and teachings present in the historic Ramazaniye or The Maqamat or even the more recent 7 Secrets of the Goddess by Devdutt Pattanaik.
Lenten curtain depicting the Crucifixion and symbols of the Passion, 17th century, Google Arts and Culture. (Right) ‘Ramadan Nights’, Mohammed Racim, 1896-1975, Google Arts and Culture
The devout period of Ramadan is often explored by artists. ‘Nights of Ramadan’, a miniature work with an intricate gold leaf border by the Algerian artist Mohamed Racim is a captivating work of art. A twilight blue sky, a town fortified by water, beautifully carved structures and a cobbled, stony road. He features people of all age groups, engrossed in some activity or another. Be it indulging in an intense conversation, busy at work or simply watching the world pass by. A sense of togetherness and community prevails.
Strangely, we live in a topsy-turvy world full of extremes. In an era of instant gratification and mass consumerism, one may consider it is perhaps necessary to practice and master restraint. But we are also leaning towards a time where it is cool to be sustainable and voluntary celibacy is what more and more youngsters are opting for globally.
The shifting paradigms, often make me question the possibility that abstinence will be considered the bizarre sophisticated indulgence that one espouses.