Peter Paul Rubens – The Brazen Serpent Part 5 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a scene of intense suffering and divine intervention. A bearded figure, centrally positioned, raises his arm towards the heavens in what appears to be a gesture of command or blessing. He is accompanied by attendants clad in elaborate robes and headwear, suggesting authority and ceremonial significance.
Below this elevated group lies a mass of figures writhing in agony. Their bodies are contorted in postures of pain, their faces etched with expressions of distress. The ground upon which they lie appears arid and barren, contributing to the overall sense of desolation. A palpable tension exists between the serene composure of the figure above and the chaotic suffering below.
The artist employed a dramatic use of light and shadow to heighten the emotional impact. Strong illumination focuses on key figures, emphasizing their expressions and gestures while plunging others into darkness, further accentuating the contrast between salvation and affliction. The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, and reds – which reinforce the atmosphere of suffering and hardship.
The arrangement of bodies suggests a narrative of collective punishment or divine retribution. Some figures appear to be actively reaching towards the figure above, perhaps seeking relief from their torment. Others are collapsed in exhaustion or despair. The inclusion of children amongst the afflicted adds another layer of pathos to the scene, evoking sympathy and highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the suffering.
The presence of a cross held aloft by the central figure introduces a symbolic element that transcends the immediate depiction of pain. It suggests a connection to themes of sacrifice, redemption, or divine grace – a potential source of hope amidst the despair. The swirling clouds in the upper portion of the composition contribute to a sense of otherworldly power and intervention.
The painting’s subtexts likely explore themes of faith, suffering, and divine mercy. The artist seems interested in portraying not only the physical agony of the afflicted but also their spiritual yearning for deliverance.