Gustave Dore (1832-1883) is known for his paintings, etchings and illustrations. Dore was a successful illustrator of many books including the Bible. He worked in the Romanticism Movement which is very evident in this Palm Sunday scene. His French and 19th century interpretation of the setting and figures fills the details of this work. His positioning of Jesus’ raised right hand and possible cloud behind him may imply Mark 14:62:

. . .you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.

Gustave Dore painted from his knowledge of scripture, his imagination and his everyday life as we each also do in our visions of this Jesus and his time on earth. We add our own familiar to the astounding Holy Week story as we lean on our faith to hold the deep despair and joy of the days following this Jerusalem entry. Here Jesus rides a donkey along a path of adoration and curiosity, while angels follow in foreknowledge and care.

As we wave our palms this year, may we try to imagine not yet knowing of Easter morning. May we open ourselves to the brutality to come, a blessed and chosen stance before unbelievable joy can lift us skyward on that new day.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church