Look Beyond the Pain to the Victory
On the way home from a conference last weekend, some friends and I stopped by the Mount Grace Priory in North Yorkshire. Founded in 1398, it is one of the best preserved medieval monasteries in England. For hundreds of years Carthusian monks lived here in solitude, in their own self-contained cells, to devote themselves to prayer.
In the middle of the church that lies at the centre of the crumbling remains, a more recent piece of artwork stands – the Madonna Of The Cross. Crafted by the sculptor Malcolm Brocklesby in 1996, the piece is quite striking in its form and meaning. Having left my camera at home, I quickly took some shots of it on my phone.
An inscription to the statue explains Brocklesby’s vision:
‘This Madonna is not the meek and subservient figure portrayed in so many paintings, but a determined and intelligent young woman who understands the wonder and the importance of her calling as she dedicates her Child to the purpose of the Creator.’
‘She is also aware of the suffering that this will entail. The figure of the Madonna is integral with that of the Cross, the stark and terrible symbol at the heart of Christianity, which is an inescapable part of her existence.’
‘Her expression, however, is more of serenity than anguish. She is looking beyond Calvary to the Resurrection, and the way in which she holds the Christ Child high suggests the subsequent Ascension rather than the immediate prospect of a sacrificial death.’
‘The statue combines the three facets of Christianity which establish the Atonement of Mankind – the Nativity, the Crucifixion and the Ascension.’
I have reflected elsewhere about Mary’s risky calling to bring Jesus into the world – a calling full of peril, possible misunderstanding, heartbreak. Brocklesby’s sculpture makes this suffering clear. While she would never experience what Jesus experienced on the cross on our behalf, a sword would pierce Mary’s own heart too.
But the Madonna of the Cross shows us more about Mary:
She knows the importance of her divine calling.
She knows the suffering this will entail and accepts it.
She offers her most precious possession to God.
She looks beyond the pain to God’s victory.
So, reflect for a moment.
And ask yourself:
Will I accept the suffering of my own divine calling? Am I willing to give up what I cherish most to serve God’s purposes? Will I look beyond the pain to God’s victory?
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Question: Your general response is welcome. Leave a comment now.
Christine Ramsden
An absolutely brilliant piece of writing. You combined the sculptor’s words about his work into your blog with great ease, yet it was clear at all times who was “speaking”.
It is always important to consider Mary as not just the vessel for Jesus, but also as a mother. I still feel shocked when reading of the time Jesus did not acknowledge his mother or his earthly family as belonging to him. Mary must have felt so wounded. At the time of Jesus’ birth, I am sure she would never have envisaged being almost disowned by her first-born son 30 odd years later.
Sheridan Voysey
Yes, Jesus’ story is full of gritty reality, and Mary as a mother would’ve suffered a grief beyond what us non-parents can ever imagine. In the agony of crucifixion Jesus made sure Mary was looked after, being put in the care of his friend John, so I don’t think his earlier words about his wider ‘family’ – a family made up of faith not just bloodline – were in any way a disowning of her. But I get your point.
Thanks for the kind words too, Christine.
Sariah
Thanking God for you and your words. I soooooo needed to read this this morning. Oh, the pain of the calling! Praying to be able to look beyond this pain to the victory – fixing my cried out, red and swollen eyes on Jesus and His victory – else I’m a gonna! War wounds hurt, but His hurt more. And now we get to rest in His arms as He soothes. So glad the battle is won. I want to rest in His purpose – I didn’t expect the calling to EVER be this painful though. Would have lost, except for His cross. This sculpture and your writing of it – superb, timely, helping me move forward to where God wants me. Helping me realise that just because it hurts, doesn’t mean I’ve been ‘taken out’.
Sheridan Voysey
Your last line is a killer, Sariah! Just because it hurts doesn’t mean you’ve been taken out. Hold on – the victory will come.
Sariah
Your insight and compassion hurt and heal at the same time!
Donna
What a great article you wrote for us! Your words and the words of the sculpter about Mary’s role for God and us is breathtaking. It really makes you think deeply about our role in this life.
Is there anywhere I can purchase a replica of the Madonna and the Coss, either statue or print?
Sheridan Voysey
Thanks so much Donna. I don’t think there are replicas on sale, unfortunately.
dparker224
mrs brocklesby has the original maquette model, it is just as amazing as the full size version, i also contacted a foundry who had cast pieces before for malcolm and they said for a small edition of 9 or similar they would cost around £1,000 each to be cast, i know i would definately buy one, i believe malcolm really does deserve more coverage on his works,
Sheridan Voysey
Thanks for the new information.
dparker224
i have several large malcolm brocklesby sculptures including a large jesus crucifix, he was an amazing sculptor and some of his pieces are just as good as barbara hepworth and henry moore, i believe he sold smaller bronzes privately, i have not been able to trace any of the smaller ones so i think very few would have been made, so if you do get chance to buy one it would be a very good investment. the pieces i have were sold by his family from his private studio due to house move. it would be great if someone new of a gallery who would like to have them on display.
i spoke to mrs brocklesby a couple of days ago regarding madonna on the cross and she has the original maquette model which could be used to cast bronzes from, it would be fantastic if anyone knows a place where a small edition of bronzes could be made of this beautiful sculpture, i had the pleasure of seeing some of malcoms other sculptures which were simply amazing, lots of his work has been unseen as he was a very modest man, but i wish that one day someone could publish a book on his works and have an exhibition, i would gladly loan the several sculptures i own and im sure mrs brocklesby would be delighted for his work to be seen in the public eye. so if anyone reads this knows of a publisher or gallery, please contact me at [email protected] and i can pass any information onto mrs brocklesby.
Sheridan Voysey
Wow, this sounds like an opportunity just waiting for some backing. Malcolm Brocklesby was clearly brilliant and, indeed, it would be great to see more of his work live on after him.
dparker224
i will try and take some photos of the pieces i have bought, mrs brocklesby explained about the madonna of the cross looking just like a normal cross from the rear, but as you walk around to the front you realise it is actually a sculpture, i just hope one day some smaller figures get made from the maquette model she has.