Triptych Crucifixion

The Museum of Art here at BYU has some impressive pieces of religious art. I especially appreciated Bernard Sleigh's The Crucifixion: A Triptych. Originally commissioned for a prison in the UK in 1906, an employee saved it from destruction during a renovation and re-decorating of the prison. It then sat at her house for years until she passed away, someone inherited it, they sold it to a collector, and BYU bought it from the collector.
I love the symbolism. I'm grateful for the curator for pointing out some things. Those who are bowing to the Savior include a soldier, judge, king, and priest, emphasizing Christ's preeminence over armies, laws, governments, and the Church. The vine climbing the cross represents Christ's role as the True Vine. "INRI" is what the sign over His head says, standing for "Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum", or "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." But perhaps the element I most enjoy about this painting is the simple fact that the cross bridges the earth with the heavens. Truly, that is the essence of the Atonement. Jesus Christ suffered for sins and sufferings, so that we may be able to be redeemed, saved, atoned for, being brought back into the presence of the Father by way of the Son. At this Thanksgiving season, I share my thanks for the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and for art that teaches true doctrine.