Droplets of blood spatter the man's robe. His jaw is set resolutely, lips pursed tightly as he readies his hammer to pound the nail yet again. The work evokes a visceral response that haunts and deepens into guilt as you notice something surprising in the man's face. He's wearing glasses. That's no first-century executioner.
Artwork is used best when it's being seen and enjoyed by many people.
By borrowing different pieces from the ELCA collection, a congregation can keep fresh artwork on display without the big expenditure that buying art entails. Churches typically look for a piece of art to help celebrate some occasion in the liturgical calendar. For example, Redeemer borrowed the banners used for the installation of Presiding Bishop H. George Anderson to adorn the church for an important date. Beyond mere decoration, though, the art serves an evangelistic function. They proclaim the gospel.