Pictured from left to right: Abraham, Isaiah, David, Moses, (an angel on either side of Jesus), Elijah, Noah, Queen Ester, John the Baptist, Daniel.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us"
Hebrews 12:1 verse used for artist's inspiration
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By Ron DiCianni
March 28, 2010
Every artist longs for the definitive subject to paint, the one that captures a moment in time, hoping that viewers will put themselves there. Mine is the Resurrection. The one act in history that separates Christianity from every philosophy, every religion, and stops the mouths of every critic of Christ. Some may choose to ignore it, but none can deny it.
Two years ago, the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas, Texas, asked me if I would consider painting a mural on the theme of Jesus’ resurrection. After praying and summoning up the courage to face such a task, I agreed. My only solace was in knowing that God had promised me many years ago that He would hold my hand whenever I painted. Knowing that the God of the universe is with you is what caused David to confront Goliath, Elijah to stand alone against 400 crazy prophets, and is what sustained Jesus when faced with the cross.
Taking my cue from Hebrews 12:1, I envisioned Christ emerging from the tomb with many heroes of the faith waiting for Him. These Old Testament faithful were able to see the One who fulfilled what they could only have dreamed of!
On a more practical note, I have to laugh when I think of how God loves to go against the grain of our comfort zone. I paint on a mechanical lift that raises a small, unsteady platform quite high off the floor. For as long as I can remember, I have been terrified of heights! Isn’t that just like God to make us face the very thing that proves He’s bigger and stronger than our fears? No question who is going to get the glory from such an assignment!
The mural required extensive preparation. Every costume for each model was hand-made. Every prop for the photography (for reference to paint from) was professionally made. The tomb was custom sculpted for me by the same people who had worked on such films as Indiana Jones. I even solicited the help of four prominent Christian painters. Thomas Blackshear posed as Abraham, Michael Dudash as Isaiah, Morgan Weistling as David, and Chris Hopkins as John the Baptist. The reason for all the effort? Whatever we, as artists, put our hand to, ought to be the best for our King! To Him belong the best efforts, time and talent we possess. No one else should get better treatment for the greatest message of all!
When I look at the finished mural today, I see in the details reminders of God’s guidance.
You might miss some of these messages at first glance. Notice the rock beginning to crack under Christ’s feet due to the earthquake. Look up to the top right of Noah and see the dove flying across the rock. On Moses’ belt in Hebrew are the words “I AM.” (Jesus used those words to describe himself in John 8:58.) On the angel’s swords are the letters for Alpha and Omega. On the top of the swords is the Star of David. Notice the “keys of death and hell” tied on Christ’s belt. The three kneeling figures are David, Esther and Daniel … royalty bowing to the greatest of all kings! In the right top background is Mount Calvary, also known as “the place of the skull.” You can see the hint of a rainbow above reminding us of the promises of God.
With any of my paintings, my prayer is that viewers will have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ as their Savior. Friend, have you met Him? Has the Resurrection brought you new life? You can discover that life today.
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RON DiCIANNI is an internationally recognized artist. His paintings depicting the four cardinal doctrines of the Assemblies of God are on permanent display at the Fellowship’s headquarters in Springfield, Mo. Prints of this mural are available at TapestryProductions.com. A portion of the proceeds from Pentecostal Evangel readers will provide Bibles for African AG pastors.
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