Orbital Dying
Watching the Crucifixion from God’s Point of View
abstract
A small drawing made by Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591) shows the Crucifixion in a rare, if not unique, view from above. Opening with a closer look at the restoration report as well as the iconographic reception of the drawing within later images, the following paper seeks to bring out the drawing’s triangular constellation of subject, image and others in regard of the intertwined dynamics of individuality, positioning and image-making. The diagonal perspective onto the Passion speaks from a dis-placed subjectivity in face of the image and by the example of the author’s own practice of drawing, a possible understanding of this rare point of view shall be gained.
Keywords: Artist • Bird’s-eye View • Orbit • John of the Cross • Altar • Audience • Drawing • Crucifixion