A new portrait of Jesus has caused a stir online as it is considered “effeminate”.
The painting, by Spanish artist Salustiano García Cruz, was recently unveiled as the official poster for Holy Week in Seville, southern Spain.
The image depicts a muscular young Jesus in a loincloth, modeled after the artist’s own son. However, unlike common depictions of Jesus throughout art history, this image does not depict suffering, sparking controversy online among religious groups.
This version of Jesus is controversial, Barcelona gallerist Arthur Ramon told the BBC. This is because, according to southern Spanish tradition, Christ is usually represented as suffering and covered in blood.
“In a sense, it’s an effeminate or androgynous Christ,” Ramon said. Spain remains a deeply homophobic country, and people do not like the idea of Christ being represented in this way during a festival commemorating the last moments of his life. ”
The Social Policy Research Institute has labeled the image posted on conservative Catholic group X (formerly Twitter) a “genuine aberration,” calling the depiction “sexual” and “effeminate.” insisted. The group called for its removal, as well as a petition circulated on Change.org that said the painting did not represent “Christian values.” So far, 14,000 signatures have been collected.
According to a report in French publication Le Point, Spain’s Christian Lawyers Foundation also issued a statement against the painting and its artist, accusing it of being a gesture against the LGBTQ+ community and promoting “debauchery.” The company is reportedly considering taking legal action.
Also, in an interview with Spanish publication El Mundo, Cruz said of the controversy, “They say he looks gay.” I’m sure you don’t want that.”
“Because you look kind and handsome, gay Christ, come on! We’re number 21.cent century. “