Artist: Nadia Molugova

Tecnique: oil on canvas

Size: 100 X 80 cm

 

Living hope

 

The painting portrays the Roman centurion who witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In his hand he holds a sword — a symbol of Roman power and earthly strength. At his feet lies a shield, a reminder of the futility of human defense before eternity. Behind him stands a column — a sign of the Empire’s greatness, order, and law, which nevertheless proved powerless before the Cross. On the horizon rises Golgotha with its three crosses, the center of humanity’s spiritual drama.

 

When the centurion saw how Christ died and the earth trembled, he was struck to the heart and said:
“Truly this Man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39).

 

His repentance became a symbol for all who once lived without God, but upon looking at the Cross, came to know the Truth. Here, human strength meets divine love: the sword gives way to humility, the shield to faith, the column to hope, and Golgotha becomes the beginning of new life.

 

The title “Living hope” reflects the mystery that in the very moment of the Crucifixion, hope was born — a hope stronger than death, able to transform even the hardest of hearts.