Christian Art · Medieval · The Cross & Resurrection
The Resurrection — The Vyšší Brod Cycle
“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” — Matthew 28:6 (KJV)
About
From a Bohemian altarpiece of about 1350 (the Vyšší Brod cycle, now Prague), the Resurrection: Christ steps from the tomb carrying a white banner with a red cross, soldiers collapsed in sleep around the sealed sarcophagus, gold ground glowing behind.
The Meaning
The banner says it: this is a victory parade of one. Medieval panels loved the moment of triumph — Christ upright, unhurried, and bright, while the empire's guards lie in a heap. Death's watchmen cannot watch anything.
For Us Today
The stone that guards your dead hopes is no match for the risen Christ. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said (Matthew 28:6) — believe Him the next time you stand at a sealed tomb.
Image: Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons — the file’s page. Tap the picture to open the full-size original there.