The Waco daily examiner. [volume] (Waco, Tex.) 187?-1888, 1888-01-01
CHRIST BEFORE PLATE


grandest paintings that has been
given to tho world in modern times
1t covers about twenty By thirty teei
OF canvas, the figures all being lie
size. Everybody is familiar with the
story. The scene is carly morning in
the prUtorium or Official residence oi
the Roman governor at Jerusalem
The piGurc is drawn from dcscrip
tions in the New Testament OF the
Appearance and trial of Christ
before Plate 1t is there re-
lated that "when he was accused
of the priests aud elders, he answered
nothing" "And PLATE answered and
-a!d again unto them: What will ye
that shall do unto hun whom We call
King of the jews aud they cried ont
again, cruelty himw In the centre OF
the picture is the figure of the
Saviour, with his hands bound, erect,
composed, gazing steadtastly on the
face of Plate Around ana behind
him crowd the rabble of Jerusalem,
some frantic, others attracted by idle
curiosity, others apparently bent
merely on killing time. In the imme.
diate foreground is Roman soldier
holding the mob in check with the
shaft OF his speac. pontius Plate sits
as the representative of Caesar on the
judgment throne. He is modirating
and is greatly perpleXed. He Knows
nothing against Christ, bat dare not
resist the clamor Of the people. On
the right of Plate, stands Caiaphas,
the chief accuser of Christ, with his
arm extended toward the excited
populace. The figure pressing tor
ward in the crowd with uplifted arms
is ruflian OF the lowest type. lie is
shouting "Crucify Him Cruelty
/ Him |" On the left OF Plate sit two
elders, watching the proceedings
with deep interest. Between Christ
and Caiaphss, sitting on bench, Is u
rich banker, looking on with con
temptuous curiosity. Near him is a
young rowdy, leaning over the rail
ing and scofing III the face of Jesus.
Purched on high stool by the side OF
the Judgment seat and resting his head
against the wall is q scribe who views
the scene with an air of weary indit
ference. A knot of Old men is seated
in all angle OF the room To the lett Of
the banker. They are apparently ar
guiDg Christs claim that he is the
promised Messiah. spiCuously
raised above the heads OF the crowd
Is seen a young mother with beauti
ful face, holding child in her srm-,
and looking at Jesus with tenderness
and compassion. Through the whole
picture are groups of figures and faces
rejecting the different emotions lhAt
animate each individual
TINS picture has been on exhibition
III the principal cities OF Europe and
is now being exhibited IN America.
1t has been viewed by millions OF peo
pie aud has created moro sensation
throughout the entire civilized world
than any Other painting ever produc
ed. In the city OF New ork 1t was
on exhibition several months and was
seen by hundreds of thousands 0f peo
pie. 1t was recently sold to John
Wannanaker,, OF Phlladelphls, tor
$l2O.OOO III cash.
Michael Won Munkacsy, the painter
OF this wonderful picture, was born
Ia 1914 IN the fortress OF OF Munkacs,
tiugary. ltls parents dlcd when lie
was ilVe years Ole, and poor uncle
who took charge OF HIM apprentlced
MIN 10 carpenter. some students
al college where he vas working
taught MN TO read anu write. Tie
TOOK an especial interest III history
and poetry. Ills first ideas OF
painting were obtained from a
portrait painter, who instructed
nm IN drawing and also
IN literature. Hs soon began
TO give drawing lessons himself, His
nrst successful painting was that of
tho ehtlre family OF tailor, tor which
ne recol'eu coat IN payment. AS
soon as Nc was able ne went 10 Wen
ma ana studlea Ill the museums His
hrst artistic triumph was The Last
DAY OF Man Condemned to Death"
ana IL established the universal fame
OF the painter IL create great
sensation at Iarls ana won MIN u
medal. inns picture was followed