BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - The Kress Gallery of Renaissance Art at the Birmingham Museum of Art, which has numerous paintings of Christ, has a sacred feel to it.
It could even be a worthy pilgrimage site during Lent, as the paintings capture events from the life of Jesus and depict the suffering and pain of his torture and death.
Lent, which began with Ash Wednesday on March 5, is the penitential season of preparation leading up to Easter, which churches in most of the world will observe on April 20 this year.
"The Annunciation, Crucifixion and a Group of Saints," painted by Francesco d'Antonio di Bartolommeo in about 1425 A.D., shows blood pouring from Jesus' side and hands as he hangs on the cross, with his mother below him.
"Crucifixion with the Virgin Mary, St. John the Evangelist and St. Mary Magdalene," painted in about 1365 A.D. by Allegretto Nuzi, portrays John kissing the feet of Jesus as he hangs on the cross.
"Christ as Man of Sorrows," which dates to the late 1460s, by Marco di Antonio Ruggeri, also known as Marco Zoppo, shows Jesus wearing a crown of thorns.
"The Baptism of Christ," painted about 1485 A.D. by Benvenuto Tisi, also known as Il Garofalo, has an optimistic tone at the start of the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, as he is baptized by John the Baptist.
Most of the depictions of Jesus in the gallery are of the Madonna and Christ child.
"Christianity is based on the belief that God allowed his son to become flesh for the salvation of the world," said Jeannine O'Grody, chief curator at the Birmingham Museum of Art. "During the Renaissance, images of the Madonna and child became more human like. It's to remind people that Christ was made flesh and became one of us."
Admission to the Birmingham Museum of Art is free. It's open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. The museum encourages meditating on art by providing stools to sit on while studying an artwork for an extended period of time.