“The Sermon on the Mount” by Carl Bloch, created in 1877, is an oil painting on copper. It is an exemplary piece of Academicism, measuring 104 by 92 centimeters, and falls within the religious painting genre. The artwork masterfully portrays a significant biblical scene with meticulous detail and profound emotion.
The artwork depicts Jesus Christ seated upon a rock, delivering his famous Sermon on the Mount to a gathered crowd. Jesus, dressed in a red robe, raises his right hand as he speaks, emphasizing the importance of his message. The figures surrounding him, a diverse assembly of men and women, exhibit a range of reactions—from deep contemplation to earnest listening. The use of light illuminates Jesus, accentuating his central role in the composition, while the backdrop of a serene landscape underscores the tranquility and solemnity of the moment. Bloch’s skillful rendering of expressions and textures brings the scene to life, inviting viewers to reflect upon its spiritual significance.
