Christ Blessing (Pax Vobiscum) (1505-1506) by Raphael - Public Domain Catholic Painting
This image by Raphael is titled "Pax Vobiscum" In Christian liturgy, "the Pax" is an abbreviation of the Latin salutation "pax vobis" ("peace to you") or "pax vobiscum" ("peace with you"), which are used in the Catholic Mass, the Lutheran Divine Service, and the Western Orthodox Mass. The image shows Christ holding up his right hand in a pose that represents blessing. This is Christ after His resurrection because three of His crucifixion wounds are visible (one on each hand, and one in his ribs). The simplified background keeps the focus on Christ, who is wearing deep red robes and a crown of thorns. Christ also has a peaceful look upon His face.
The painter, Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, known as Raphael, was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance. His work is admired for its clarity of form, ease of composition, and visual achievement of the Neoplatonic ideal of human grandeur. Together with Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, he forms the traditional trinity of great masters of that period.
