The Harrowing of Hell is the day between Good Friday and Ressurection Sunday. It is on this day that Holy Tradition and Holy Bible states Jesus Christ decended into Hell to set free the captives, and preach to those bound in Sheol (a sort of purgatory, where Adam and Moses were), and Abaddon (torture, flames, made for fallen angels). Hell is mentioned by Jesus Christ specifically many times, "If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out, where 'the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell, where Their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where "'the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched. For everyone will be salted/tested with fire," (Mark9:43-49), "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels," (Matthew 24:41), "Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell," (Matthew 10:28), "But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him," (Luke 12:5), "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire," (Matthew 5:22), "Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever," (Revelation 20:10), "He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death," (Revelation 21:8), and "Then death and Hades (grave) were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death." (Revelation 20:14). Hell, the Lake of Fire is very real, Rob Bell and others who denounce the existence of the firery inferno speak against the Savior's own words.
Christ Jesus tells a very important story about a man in hell called Lazarus (perhaps the same Lazarus He raised from dead see John 11:1-46):“Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man’s table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. 22 Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, that you send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ But he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’” (Luke 16:19-31).
A vivid portrait of hell (hades) with torment, flames, and more. Take note that is says poor man went to "Abraham's Bosom" which is what King David called Sheol; a holding place like paradise, but not Heaven. Probably were Catholics get the concept of purgatory, only it is not a place where people suffered, but where they awaited Jesus Christ to come and proclaim that redemption had won. The Scriptures that speak of the Savior descending into Hell are these, "For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. " (1 Peter 3:18-20). The proclaimainings to the spirits in prision was not believers in earthly prisions, for one no Christians yet had been arrested, and secondly these spirits are said to have been the ones in day of Noah, and God has been patient with their disboediance. This descended to this prision called Hades, and raised a host from hell (harrowing), "But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says,
“When He ascended on high,
He led captive a host of captives,
And He gave gifts to men.”
He led captive a host of captives,
And He gave gifts to men.”
(Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things." (Ephesians 4:7-10, NASB). The lower parts of the earth is term for Hades, the grave, a holding place in hell, Sheol. This collecting of the hosts mentioned in Ephesians cross references to this verse, "At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and[c] went into the holy city and appeared to many people." (Matthew 27:51-53). Another proof Jesus went to hell is what He says to Mary Magdalene, "Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" (John 20:17). Notice that Jesus says He has not yet ascended to His Father in Heaven (Mark 16:19), this is after Christ's Resurrection and He is declaring He has not ascended to Heaven yet; that means He was somewhere else the entire time! He was harrowing Hell!
Dante Alighieri, author of the Divine Comedy (in three parts Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso) said while exploring hell, that he believed hell fire, the flames of the furnace were God's presence without the protection of the Blood of Lamb, the Salvation of Jesus Christ. This is interesting because in Scripture it says, "For our God is a devouring fire," (Hebrews 12:29), "but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God," (Hebrews 10:27), "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire," (Matthew 7:19), "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire," (Matthew 3:11), "They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them," (Acts 2:3), "And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,' declares the LORD, 'and I will be its glory within," (Zacariah 2:5), "But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames/If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved--even though only as one escaping through the flames," (1 Corinthians 3:15), and "I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!" (Luke 12:49), "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare," (2 Peter 3:10). It seems clear that those who believe are unharmed by the fire (Acts 2:3, Hebrews 10:27, Matthew 3:11), but those who have decided not to follow Jesus Christ do burn (2 Peter 3:10, Matthew 7:19). It seems Dante may actually be correct, since the flames do not harm the saints and beleivers, in fact this fire is within Christ, "The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire," (Revelation 1:14), "To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze," (Revelation 2:18), "His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself," (Revelation 19:12), "His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude," (Daniel 10:6), and "As I looked, "thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze." (Daniel 7:9).
The Harrowing of Hell certainly happened, for Jesus did descend into the lower regiosn as aforementioned, which it is written, "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth (hades)." (Phililppians 2;10, see also Revelation 5:3,13). This passage metions heaven, and earth, so under earth refers to Hades (the grave) and Hell which is connected. The Harrowing of Hell is an important moment, for Jesus went down to flaming underworld to preach to those who were prisoners (1 Peter 3:19).
Having examined hell, and its harrowing in Scripture, let us turn to it in art form.
This particular piece is Medieval and Roman Catholic. The iconography has the traditional elements of Catholicism with Christ's wounds visible, blood dripping down the side wound, and the depiction of devils, demons and tormentors. In Christ's hand is a scepter in shape of cross which pays homage to that He is preaching salvation, His death on cross, and it is an allusion to Crosier, an orb with cross on it that denotes Christ rules the Earth and is King of Heaven and the Universe. In this painting Jesus has red cape, harkening to Scarlet one he wore during His crucifixion (Matthew 27:28). and it says when Jesus returns, He will wear red robes, "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God (John 1:1). And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." (Revelation 19:11-16). The souls or hosts being rescued (Ephesians 4:7-10) are barely clade, and Jesus is the same. The tormentors have characteristics of Renaissance, including Black Plague masked creature at the far right. Flames are visible, as well as burning sulfur. Behind Jesus is another sarcophagus, sepulchre, or grave in Hades of saints peeking out. The entire image overwhelms the viewer, and has quite an impact, while
maintaining a level of modesty.
The Descent into Limbo by Jaime Serra, 14th Century. This altarpiece sits in The Convent Santo Sepulchre Zaragoza. Christ is featured in a black robe, which is the color for death. Above the Almighty One is a host of attending angels and across from them fallen angels or tormentors. The most striking feature of this Harrowing is the Hellmouth, which in tradition is a gate to Hell and a hound head that swallows souls and sends them to Hades. The Hellmouth is connected to ancient hellhounds of yore, one in particular Cerberus, who is three headed guradians of Hades in Greek Mythology who was slain by Heracles. There were also Beater of Death, hellhounds that assisted demons. It is believed the inclusion of the Hellmouth came from the conversion of the Saxons, and does not seem to have Scriptural basis, although there are allusions to dogs and damnation, "All your enemies Have opened their mouths wide against you; They hiss and gnash their teeth They say, "We have swallowed her up! Surely this is the day for which we waited; We have reached it, we have seen it," (Lamentations 2:6), "but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth," (Matthew 8:12), "and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 13:42). The gnashing of teeth which is description for hell could allude to a Hellmouth or Hound. Sometimes the Hell Mouth is Satan himself, "ne cumaþ þa næfre of þæra wyrma seaðe & of þæs dracan ceolan þe is Satan nemned." - "[they] never come out of the pit of snakes and of the throat of the dragon which is called Satan." (Vercelli Homilies, 4:46-48). Because of this tradition, the Hellmouth is sometimes a dragon because the devil is a dragon in symbols and types, "The great dragon was hurled down--that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him." (Revelation 12:9).
This piece depicts no flames, very few tormentors and looks more like grave land (Hades) than the flaming furnace. Jesus is clade in full white robes, and the souls are fully clade in robes of red or pink. The rocking location looks more like a literal place, than elemental destination of fire, and feels more connected to earth; like caves. Instead of scepter, Jesus holds a flag with red cross on white, a symbol held by the Lamb of God. One devil is seen to right covering its eyes, this could be Satan or just a tormenting spirit. The mountain of rock looks quite like Sinai, there is a famous Monastery at Mount Sinai and so this could pay homage to that.
This Harrowing of Hell is from 12th Century Medieval Manuscript. It is quite two dimensional and depicts the hosts being rescued fully naked, but Christ fully clothed in blue and red robes. The blue probably alludes to Topaz mentioned by the Prophet Daniel (Daniel 10:6). We can see a train or retinue of angels follow behind Jesus, something different from others depictions, and you can see the Hound in bottom right corner is his eyes, and top of the painting is his nostrils and fire. The Hound is believed to be demonic creature is which the damned are swallowed and sent to Hell, sometimes this is Devil himself, as depicted in Dante Inferno, Canto. Jesus holds Crosier, a cross staff instead of the scepter or flag, but this crosier does have flag on it. No tormentors are seen, but unbelievers are depicted above those being rescued, this being an allusion to Separation of Sheep and Goat (Matthew 25:31-46), "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." (Matthew 25:46).
In this painting of the Harrowing, Jesus Christ is clade in orange, which is color of Protestant Church. This painting however continues some very traditional themes, including very pronounced tormentors, and the top mouth of the Hound. Here the hosts being rescued are fully naked, while Christ is fully clade. The tormentors have the look of the ones in Dante's Inferno, having bat like qualities, although no scripture mentions any demon looking like a bat. There are no flames save a puff of flame from nostrils of the Hound, and background looks like stained glass, perhaps this is stained glass piece of art in a cathedral or chapel.
This painting by the famous Hieronymus Bosch depicts a hell where there is revelry, sexual immortality, souls and spirits playing cards, and more. Here hell is not depicted in fashion of torment, but unbridled lust and depravity, where no one has self control or any of fruit of Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) or godly behavior. Jesus appears in circle of light, and is clade in the red cape, while everyone else is naked. We can see all types of people, even clergy and monks. This hell comes from Late Renaissance period when people got the idea that it wasn't all hellfire, but a hall and never ending place for wicked to hang out. A very misleading depiction, for it does not fit any of the Scriptures, nor what Savior Jesus Christ says (see Matthew 5:22, Luke 16:19-61).
Here we have a very Medieval Harrowing, but probably done in Renaissance Period, especially because the Hound has fish like characteristics, something especially seen in German art. This is certainly a Catholic work, Jesus is clade in Red robe he wore at Crucifixion, his side still dropping blood, and He is essentially naked save for covering of robe, which is unique, and most Catholic do believe Christ was crucified naked. This particular piece harkens to Michelangelo's style, he preferred human bodies to be unclad and naked. There are no allusions to hell fire, again this seems like some cave with the Hound as the door, and we see Christ is not inside, but outside of Hades, in lush green land.
In this Harrowing of Hell we have Jesus Christ reaching with both hands to the lost souls. He carries no cruciger, crosier, or flag. Below Christ, covering the abyss (pit of darkness) is a cross denoting the "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14). Above Christ is Greek letters ICXC which means Christ. This is an Eastern Orthodox Church icon, and is thus conformed to two dimensions as is customary of icons. Above the Harrowing we see angels harkening and trying to help, and on the right appear to be kings and those already saved.
Here is a Harrowing that depicts the flames of Hell all around the medium. Jesus Christ is clade in blue and orange robes, the blue probably alluding the Prophet Daniel's description of Christ (Daniel 10:6) and that orange denoting that He is a "consuming Fire." (Hebrews 12:29) and the plethora of verses I mentioned earlier. We see on far left upper corner some saints and kings who seem to already be safe while Savior reaches to those souls on the right side. A door with hinges, and nails is falling near the bottom, alluding to that this is prisoners, the captives (1 Peter 3:19, Luke 4:18). There are not any visible signs of the tormentors or the Hound, unless those black blots on the far left are them. There is Greek lettering smattered throughout the piece, and the Crosier Christ carries looks very Byzantine Christian.
Here is a stone sculpture edifice of the Harrowing of Hell. Christ is the largest and crowned, the Saint behind him probably John the Baptist? The Hound is fully scene with mouth open and souls rushing to the Savior's Hand. Jesus is standing on what is probably Satan or the devil, referring to the Bible verse, "The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work." (1 John 3:8). This particular piece has a three dimensional quality bridged with two dimensional tradition. The absence of color, the whiteness makes one think of death, for in China white is color of death, because skulls and skeletons are white.
This Harrowing is certainly from Renaissance, depicting both men and tormentors in human bodies. Jesus Christ is barely clade, while rest are naked and even gentiles are seen. In this particular piece women are distinctly seen, two reach for the Lord's hand, and two are to the left clothing themselves which alludes to these verses, "Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh," (Romans 13:14) and "Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed." (Revelation 16:15). Christ holds a crosier, but the cross is not seen, and the tormentors and demons have Greek Mythological qaulties, like the possible Pan to bottom right. A very unpleasant piece, with very little modesty and sensuality.
This Harrowing has qualities of Spain, particularly Christ in Green and Orange. It is important to understand that All Hallow's Eve, better known as Halloween was the actual holiday that celebrated the Harrowing, hence all the dead creatures, ghost, goblins, and depictions of Hades on Halloween. Following Halloween is All Saint's Day, which probably harkens to idea that saints were rescued from hell. The Day of Dead is similar holiday to Harrowing and what Halloween once was. Hallow comes from "Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed (holy) be your name," (Matthew 6:9). In this painting Christ has Crosier with Cross displayed, and naked people are leaving the mouth of Hound, their gentiles covered, even one man hiding his, making this have an intention of modesty. We see separate devil with bottom of crosier staff in his mouth, this is probably Satan (1 John 3:8).
In this Harrowing Scene Jesus Christ is coming out of dimensional portal and reaching towards souls that are saints. The look of the saints is very Orthodox Christian, perhaps even Russian Orthodox. Everyone is full clothed, and there is no sign of the Fires of Hell, The Hound, the Tormentors, or anything terrifying for that matter. The central image is Christ, and perhaps the artist wanted people to focus more on the rescue, the redemption, than the torments mentioned in the story of Lazarus (Luke 16:1-49).
Here is an Icon of the Harrowing of Hell. Christ is clade in gold and white, and exits a portal in shape of an eye or crystal. Both men and women are depicted grabbing both His hands. There is no crosier or crucisiger. There is a cross on Christ's halo, and we even get the title "Descent Into Hades" so there is no confusion. There is no hell fire, or tormentors, perhaps Eastern Orthodox thought is that Hades is the grave, the holding place (Abraham's Bosom, Luke 16:22), and Hell is a different location reserved only for the wicked.
In This Harrowing Christ is in the more traditional Protestant white, and the masses of people are fully clothed in many different colors. The top and bottom of the art piece has Latin written, and at top right you can make out the word Calvarie or Calvary, it probably is from Gospel of John or any of thefour Synoptic Gospels. There are no flames or tormentors, this appears to be cave, a tomb not unlike Christ's own from whence He will rise on Third Day after what is being depicted. Thus there is an allusion to Resurrection Sunday here.
Technically this could be called The Good Shperd (John 10:11) instead of Harrowing of Hell. However, Christ is wearing the cape scene in many of previous Harrowing paintings, and the sheep on His shoulders could denote that He went to His lost sheep in Hades. The background looks desolate, like many of scenes in previous paintings. We know this is post-Crucifixion Christ because His hand shows a dark hole for one of the wounds and his tunic has cross sown on the chest piece. The Lamb or Sheep may not even be referring to Good Sheperd at all, and it may be duo sign of Christ, for Jesus is the Lamb of God (John 1:29, Revelation 12:11).
Here is a Russian Orthodox Harrowing of Hell. In this piece we see everyone is saint, bishop, and clergyman. Above them are angels, and in center is Christ entering through the portal seen in other paintings. At bottom is Slavic language used in Russian Orthodox Churches, and around each halo is name of the saint seen, perhaps St. Niles, St. Herman, St. Nicholas, and many others. Some unique elements are smoke coming from Christ's side, perhaps this is the breath of Jesus (John 20:22), that He is mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) and intercedes for us (Romans 8:34) and this is incense of prayer (Psalm 141:2) or the incense of saints (Revelation 8:4)? Incense and censure play a big rule in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Below Christ's feet is basin on pedestal with a vine and grapes, this alludes to "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing," (John 15:5), "This is what the LORD says: "As when juice is still found in a cluster of grapes and people say, 'Don't destroy it, there is still a blessing in it,' so will I do in behalf of my servants; I will not destroy them all," (Isaiah 65:8), and "You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit." (Matthew 7:16-17). At the very top we see a hand descending from on high, this is the Father blessing His Son (Matthew 3:17, Luke 9:35, Phillippians 2:9).
This Harrowing shows Christ is red robe as seen in other paintings, but here it is on stained glass. The crosier Christ carries has a green cross, very unusual, making me suspect this may be a stain glass piece in an chapel in Ireland or Scotland. The souls being set free from flames are coming out of Hound, whose eye can be seen at bottom, and there are tormentors underneath Christ's arm looking with mocking faces (unusual). The two doors of captivity are seen broken behind Christ, they are gold which again is odd. Could this denote the in Ireland and Scotland there were people who did not want to give up their paganisms? The Saxons in particular along with some Celts were stubborn about keeping their devils and being disciples of Christ, which is impossible in reality (see Matthew 6:24, Luke 16:13, 2 Corinthians 6:14, Ephesians 5:11, Matthew 12:26).
This is a modern piece filled with very interesting iconography. We see Christ Corpus, that Christ has just died and is going to Harrowing, and the people surrounding the site of Calvary are not the people of 33 A.D. but it appears from cities and scenes one can eye that they come from Industrial Revolution, which is fascinating, because that was when Consumerism was invented and people became like parts of a machine, cogs and gears in machine of commerce and in factories, families were split up, and many lost faith. This particular painting, a critique on the Industrial Revolution, and Gangs of New York is summed up in Bible verse, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30). At bottom of painting we see what appears to be Crown of Thorns, perhaps an allusion to that the people of the Industrial Revolution feel like they are in state of perpetual suffering, their toil never seeming to end, and so they marvel that Christ gets to rest. This Harrowing of Hell makes the statement that hell is already on earth, that people already feel flames while they live.
This lithograph is very simplistic and pays homage to the art style of earlier Middle Ages, particulary Bayeux Tapestry. In this depiction Christ has holes all over his body, alluding to his flagellation (), and He pries open the Hound with a crosier. People leave the door of the Hound's Mouth as evil spirit or Satan snarls from behind the Hound. There are Latin runes at the top of the piece, and know it is called Christ Harrowing Hell from Ancient Mysterics Described.
This Harrowing is Byzantine Mosaic, which means the entire piece is made of little tiny squares of tile! The concept of pixels today for computer image comes from this idea of mosaic art, only back then they had to be hand done, one piece at time with mortar and title. Here in this Harrowing Christ stands triumphant, holding the Suppedaneum (Byzantine, Russian Orthodox, Orthodox, three beam cross) crosier. The titled bar at bottom is the foot rest for Christ's feet, and the reason one side tilts up is for man who repent on cross next to Christ (Luke 23:41-43) and the other side tilting down is for criminal who mocked Jesus (Luke 23:40). Below Christ's feet is the abyss and cave we have seen in other pieces, along with the doors and the hinges of captivity. On either side of Christ are people, on left are royals, probably Byzantion Emperor and Empress, maybe Alexios I Commenus and His Wife, or perhaps even Constantine The Great and his mother Helena. The one in gold and purple is certainly an Emperor, for in Byzantine Christian Empire, there was term, "born in purple, a purple room, where all princes and princess of Byzantium are born." (The Alexiad, Anna Commena). On right is probably the Madonna or rather Theotokios, and John The Baptist or John the Evangelist after Patmos.
There you have it, the Harrowing of Hell is an important part of Holy Week. Often it is overshadowed by Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. But it is an Important day to contemplate, and remember that Christ harrows us out of hell daily, and if we "Those who stand firm to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 25:13). Do not take your salvation for granted, hell is what awaits people who dare turn from Christ (Hebrews 6:4-6, Hebrews 10:26, 2 Peter 2:21). Make sure you keep fighting the good fight, running the race, and keeping the faith (). Remember as Peter said, "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming," (1 Peter 1:13), and "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:8-9).
Having examined hell, and its harrowing in Scripture, let us turn to it in art form.
This particular piece is Medieval and Roman Catholic. The iconography has the traditional elements of Catholicism with Christ's wounds visible, blood dripping down the side wound, and the depiction of devils, demons and tormentors. In Christ's hand is a scepter in shape of cross which pays homage to that He is preaching salvation, His death on cross, and it is an allusion to Crosier, an orb with cross on it that denotes Christ rules the Earth and is King of Heaven and the Universe. In this painting Jesus has red cape, harkening to Scarlet one he wore during His crucifixion (Matthew 27:28). and it says when Jesus returns, He will wear red robes, "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God (John 1:1). And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." (Revelation 19:11-16). The souls or hosts being rescued (Ephesians 4:7-10) are barely clade, and Jesus is the same. The tormentors have characteristics of Renaissance, including Black Plague masked creature at the far right. Flames are visible, as well as burning sulfur. Behind Jesus is another sarcophagus, sepulchre, or grave in Hades of saints peeking out. The entire image overwhelms the viewer, and has quite an impact, while
maintaining a level of modesty.
The Descent into Limbo by Jaime Serra, 14th Century. This altarpiece sits in The Convent Santo Sepulchre Zaragoza. Christ is featured in a black robe, which is the color for death. Above the Almighty One is a host of attending angels and across from them fallen angels or tormentors. The most striking feature of this Harrowing is the Hellmouth, which in tradition is a gate to Hell and a hound head that swallows souls and sends them to Hades. The Hellmouth is connected to ancient hellhounds of yore, one in particular Cerberus, who is three headed guradians of Hades in Greek Mythology who was slain by Heracles. There were also Beater of Death, hellhounds that assisted demons. It is believed the inclusion of the Hellmouth came from the conversion of the Saxons, and does not seem to have Scriptural basis, although there are allusions to dogs and damnation, "All your enemies Have opened their mouths wide against you; They hiss and gnash their teeth They say, "We have swallowed her up! Surely this is the day for which we waited; We have reached it, we have seen it," (Lamentations 2:6), "but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth," (Matthew 8:12), "and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 13:42). The gnashing of teeth which is description for hell could allude to a Hellmouth or Hound. Sometimes the Hell Mouth is Satan himself, "ne cumaþ þa næfre of þæra wyrma seaðe & of þæs dracan ceolan þe is Satan nemned." - "[they] never come out of the pit of snakes and of the throat of the dragon which is called Satan." (Vercelli Homilies, 4:46-48). Because of this tradition, the Hellmouth is sometimes a dragon because the devil is a dragon in symbols and types, "The great dragon was hurled down--that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him." (Revelation 12:9).
This piece depicts no flames, very few tormentors and looks more like grave land (Hades) than the flaming furnace. Jesus is clade in full white robes, and the souls are fully clade in robes of red or pink. The rocking location looks more like a literal place, than elemental destination of fire, and feels more connected to earth; like caves. Instead of scepter, Jesus holds a flag with red cross on white, a symbol held by the Lamb of God. One devil is seen to right covering its eyes, this could be Satan or just a tormenting spirit. The mountain of rock looks quite like Sinai, there is a famous Monastery at Mount Sinai and so this could pay homage to that.
This Harrowing of Hell is from 12th Century Medieval Manuscript. It is quite two dimensional and depicts the hosts being rescued fully naked, but Christ fully clothed in blue and red robes. The blue probably alludes to Topaz mentioned by the Prophet Daniel (Daniel 10:6). We can see a train or retinue of angels follow behind Jesus, something different from others depictions, and you can see the Hound in bottom right corner is his eyes, and top of the painting is his nostrils and fire. The Hound is believed to be demonic creature is which the damned are swallowed and sent to Hell, sometimes this is Devil himself, as depicted in Dante Inferno, Canto. Jesus holds Crosier, a cross staff instead of the scepter or flag, but this crosier does have flag on it. No tormentors are seen, but unbelievers are depicted above those being rescued, this being an allusion to Separation of Sheep and Goat (Matthew 25:31-46), "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." (Matthew 25:46).
In this painting of the Harrowing, Jesus Christ is clade in orange, which is color of Protestant Church. This painting however continues some very traditional themes, including very pronounced tormentors, and the top mouth of the Hound. Here the hosts being rescued are fully naked, while Christ is fully clade. The tormentors have the look of the ones in Dante's Inferno, having bat like qualities, although no scripture mentions any demon looking like a bat. There are no flames save a puff of flame from nostrils of the Hound, and background looks like stained glass, perhaps this is stained glass piece of art in a cathedral or chapel.
This painting by the famous Hieronymus Bosch depicts a hell where there is revelry, sexual immortality, souls and spirits playing cards, and more. Here hell is not depicted in fashion of torment, but unbridled lust and depravity, where no one has self control or any of fruit of Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) or godly behavior. Jesus appears in circle of light, and is clade in the red cape, while everyone else is naked. We can see all types of people, even clergy and monks. This hell comes from Late Renaissance period when people got the idea that it wasn't all hellfire, but a hall and never ending place for wicked to hang out. A very misleading depiction, for it does not fit any of the Scriptures, nor what Savior Jesus Christ says (see Matthew 5:22, Luke 16:19-61).
Here we have a very Medieval Harrowing, but probably done in Renaissance Period, especially because the Hound has fish like characteristics, something especially seen in German art. This is certainly a Catholic work, Jesus is clade in Red robe he wore at Crucifixion, his side still dropping blood, and He is essentially naked save for covering of robe, which is unique, and most Catholic do believe Christ was crucified naked. This particular piece harkens to Michelangelo's style, he preferred human bodies to be unclad and naked. There are no allusions to hell fire, again this seems like some cave with the Hound as the door, and we see Christ is not inside, but outside of Hades, in lush green land.
In this Harrowing of Hell we have Jesus Christ reaching with both hands to the lost souls. He carries no cruciger, crosier, or flag. Below Christ, covering the abyss (pit of darkness) is a cross denoting the "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14). Above Christ is Greek letters ICXC which means Christ. This is an Eastern Orthodox Church icon, and is thus conformed to two dimensions as is customary of icons. Above the Harrowing we see angels harkening and trying to help, and on the right appear to be kings and those already saved.
Here is a Harrowing that depicts the flames of Hell all around the medium. Jesus Christ is clade in blue and orange robes, the blue probably alluding the Prophet Daniel's description of Christ (Daniel 10:6) and that orange denoting that He is a "consuming Fire." (Hebrews 12:29) and the plethora of verses I mentioned earlier. We see on far left upper corner some saints and kings who seem to already be safe while Savior reaches to those souls on the right side. A door with hinges, and nails is falling near the bottom, alluding to that this is prisoners, the captives (1 Peter 3:19, Luke 4:18). There are not any visible signs of the tormentors or the Hound, unless those black blots on the far left are them. There is Greek lettering smattered throughout the piece, and the Crosier Christ carries looks very Byzantine Christian.
This Harrowing is certainly from Renaissance, depicting both men and tormentors in human bodies. Jesus Christ is barely clade, while rest are naked and even gentiles are seen. In this particular piece women are distinctly seen, two reach for the Lord's hand, and two are to the left clothing themselves which alludes to these verses, "Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh," (Romans 13:14) and "Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed." (Revelation 16:15). Christ holds a crosier, but the cross is not seen, and the tormentors and demons have Greek Mythological qaulties, like the possible Pan to bottom right. A very unpleasant piece, with very little modesty and sensuality.
This Harrowing has qualities of Spain, particularly Christ in Green and Orange. It is important to understand that All Hallow's Eve, better known as Halloween was the actual holiday that celebrated the Harrowing, hence all the dead creatures, ghost, goblins, and depictions of Hades on Halloween. Following Halloween is All Saint's Day, which probably harkens to idea that saints were rescued from hell. The Day of Dead is similar holiday to Harrowing and what Halloween once was. Hallow comes from "Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed (holy) be your name," (Matthew 6:9). In this painting Christ has Crosier with Cross displayed, and naked people are leaving the mouth of Hound, their gentiles covered, even one man hiding his, making this have an intention of modesty. We see separate devil with bottom of crosier staff in his mouth, this is probably Satan (1 John 3:8).
Here is an Icon of the Harrowing of Hell. Christ is clade in gold and white, and exits a portal in shape of an eye or crystal. Both men and women are depicted grabbing both His hands. There is no crosier or crucisiger. There is a cross on Christ's halo, and we even get the title "Descent Into Hades" so there is no confusion. There is no hell fire, or tormentors, perhaps Eastern Orthodox thought is that Hades is the grave, the holding place (Abraham's Bosom, Luke 16:22), and Hell is a different location reserved only for the wicked.
In This Harrowing Christ is in the more traditional Protestant white, and the masses of people are fully clothed in many different colors. The top and bottom of the art piece has Latin written, and at top right you can make out the word Calvarie or Calvary, it probably is from Gospel of John or any of thefour Synoptic Gospels. There are no flames or tormentors, this appears to be cave, a tomb not unlike Christ's own from whence He will rise on Third Day after what is being depicted. Thus there is an allusion to Resurrection Sunday here.
Technically this could be called The Good Shperd (John 10:11) instead of Harrowing of Hell. However, Christ is wearing the cape scene in many of previous Harrowing paintings, and the sheep on His shoulders could denote that He went to His lost sheep in Hades. The background looks desolate, like many of scenes in previous paintings. We know this is post-Crucifixion Christ because His hand shows a dark hole for one of the wounds and his tunic has cross sown on the chest piece. The Lamb or Sheep may not even be referring to Good Sheperd at all, and it may be duo sign of Christ, for Jesus is the Lamb of God (John 1:29, Revelation 12:11).
Here is a Russian Orthodox Harrowing of Hell. In this piece we see everyone is saint, bishop, and clergyman. Above them are angels, and in center is Christ entering through the portal seen in other paintings. At bottom is Slavic language used in Russian Orthodox Churches, and around each halo is name of the saint seen, perhaps St. Niles, St. Herman, St. Nicholas, and many others. Some unique elements are smoke coming from Christ's side, perhaps this is the breath of Jesus (John 20:22), that He is mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) and intercedes for us (Romans 8:34) and this is incense of prayer (Psalm 141:2) or the incense of saints (Revelation 8:4)? Incense and censure play a big rule in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Below Christ's feet is basin on pedestal with a vine and grapes, this alludes to "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing," (John 15:5), "This is what the LORD says: "As when juice is still found in a cluster of grapes and people say, 'Don't destroy it, there is still a blessing in it,' so will I do in behalf of my servants; I will not destroy them all," (Isaiah 65:8), and "You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit." (Matthew 7:16-17). At the very top we see a hand descending from on high, this is the Father blessing His Son (Matthew 3:17, Luke 9:35, Phillippians 2:9).
This Harrowing shows Christ is red robe as seen in other paintings, but here it is on stained glass. The crosier Christ carries has a green cross, very unusual, making me suspect this may be a stain glass piece in an chapel in Ireland or Scotland. The souls being set free from flames are coming out of Hound, whose eye can be seen at bottom, and there are tormentors underneath Christ's arm looking with mocking faces (unusual). The two doors of captivity are seen broken behind Christ, they are gold which again is odd. Could this denote the in Ireland and Scotland there were people who did not want to give up their paganisms? The Saxons in particular along with some Celts were stubborn about keeping their devils and being disciples of Christ, which is impossible in reality (see Matthew 6:24, Luke 16:13, 2 Corinthians 6:14, Ephesians 5:11, Matthew 12:26).
This is a modern piece filled with very interesting iconography. We see Christ Corpus, that Christ has just died and is going to Harrowing, and the people surrounding the site of Calvary are not the people of 33 A.D. but it appears from cities and scenes one can eye that they come from Industrial Revolution, which is fascinating, because that was when Consumerism was invented and people became like parts of a machine, cogs and gears in machine of commerce and in factories, families were split up, and many lost faith. This particular painting, a critique on the Industrial Revolution, and Gangs of New York is summed up in Bible verse, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30). At bottom of painting we see what appears to be Crown of Thorns, perhaps an allusion to that the people of the Industrial Revolution feel like they are in state of perpetual suffering, their toil never seeming to end, and so they marvel that Christ gets to rest. This Harrowing of Hell makes the statement that hell is already on earth, that people already feel flames while they live.
This lithograph is very simplistic and pays homage to the art style of earlier Middle Ages, particulary Bayeux Tapestry. In this depiction Christ has holes all over his body, alluding to his flagellation (), and He pries open the Hound with a crosier. People leave the door of the Hound's Mouth as evil spirit or Satan snarls from behind the Hound. There are Latin runes at the top of the piece, and know it is called Christ Harrowing Hell from Ancient Mysterics Described.
This Harrowing is Byzantine Mosaic, which means the entire piece is made of little tiny squares of tile! The concept of pixels today for computer image comes from this idea of mosaic art, only back then they had to be hand done, one piece at time with mortar and title. Here in this Harrowing Christ stands triumphant, holding the Suppedaneum (Byzantine, Russian Orthodox, Orthodox, three beam cross) crosier. The titled bar at bottom is the foot rest for Christ's feet, and the reason one side tilts up is for man who repent on cross next to Christ (Luke 23:41-43) and the other side tilting down is for criminal who mocked Jesus (Luke 23:40). Below Christ's feet is the abyss and cave we have seen in other pieces, along with the doors and the hinges of captivity. On either side of Christ are people, on left are royals, probably Byzantion Emperor and Empress, maybe Alexios I Commenus and His Wife, or perhaps even Constantine The Great and his mother Helena. The one in gold and purple is certainly an Emperor, for in Byzantine Christian Empire, there was term, "born in purple, a purple room, where all princes and princess of Byzantium are born." (The Alexiad, Anna Commena). On right is probably the Madonna or rather Theotokios, and John The Baptist or John the Evangelist after Patmos.
There you have it, the Harrowing of Hell is an important part of Holy Week. Often it is overshadowed by Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. But it is an Important day to contemplate, and remember that Christ harrows us out of hell daily, and if we "Those who stand firm to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 25:13). Do not take your salvation for granted, hell is what awaits people who dare turn from Christ (Hebrews 6:4-6, Hebrews 10:26, 2 Peter 2:21). Make sure you keep fighting the good fight, running the race, and keeping the faith (). Remember as Peter said, "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming," (1 Peter 1:13), and "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:8-9).
Comments
Post a Comment