Chains of Fate

 Unveiling the Chains of Fate: Understanding the Purpose Behind Biblical Narratives.      The concept of "Chains of Fate" asserts that the events depicted in the Bible narratives are interconnected by a divine plan, where each story unfolds with purpose, contributing to the overarching narrative of salvation and divine intervention. The Bible presents a series of narratives spanning across generations and cultures, yet they are intricately linked by themes of redemption, covenant, and providence. Each event, character, and circumstance plays a crucial role in shaping the overarching storyline, emphasizing the interconnectedness of divine providence and human history.

Title: Saint Francis

Artist: Federico Barocci (Italian, Urbino ca. 1535–1612 Urbino)

Date: ca. 1600–1604

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions: 35 3/8 x 30 7/8 in. (89.9 x 78.4 cm); with added strips 35 7/8 x 31 3/8 in. (91.1 x 79.7 cm)

Classification: Paintings

“Barocci’s naturalism, heightened emotion, and coloristic brilliance helped set the stage for what became known as Baroque art. His subtle, soft surface textures were inspired in part by the Italian Mannerist painter Correggio” (The Met). While Saint Francis is not mentioned in the Bible, he is known for the Franciscan Order which emphasizes simplicity and service to the lowly. The significance of the nails in his hands likely correspond with the wounds of Jesus Christ which is also displayed in the picture. The wounds on Saint Francis’ hands reflect the wounds on Jesus’ hands as well.

Title: The Denial of Saint Peter

Artist: Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi) (Italian, Milan or Caravaggio 1571–1610 Porto Ercole)

Date: 1610

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions: 37 x 49 3/8 in. (94 x 125.4 cm)

Classification: Paintings

When Jesus was caught by the Jewish leaders, Peter, one of his closest friends, followed from a distance. He ended up in the courtyard of the high priest's house, where Jesus was questioned. Later, two people accused Peter of being with Jesus. Peter said he didn't know Jesus. Then, a rooster crowed, just like Jesus had said it would, reminding Peter of what Jesus had warned. Peter felt really bad about denying Jesus. This moment made Peter realize how wrong he had been. It changed his life. Later, Peter felt sorry for what he did, and Jesus forgave him. The story of the Denial of Saint Peter serves as a tale about the frailty of human loyalty and the consequences of succumbing to fear and weakness. The theme of forgiveness and redemption, as Peter's denial ultimately becomes a catalyst for his spiritual growth and transformation.

Title: Samson Captured by the Philistines

Artist: Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri) (Italian, Cento 1591–1666 Bologna)

Date: 1619

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions: 75 1/4 x 93 1/4 in. (191.1 x 236.9 cm)

Classification: Paintings

Samson fought against the Philistines, Israel's enemies. He struggled with moral weaknesses, particularly concerning women, and fell in love with Delilah, who betrayed him by cutting his hair, the source of his strength. The central idea of Samson’s story depicts one of triumph and tragedy, showcasing the consequences of pride, lust, and disobedience, as well as the redemptive power of God's mercy and forgiveness.

Title: The Lamentation

Artist: Ludovico Carracci (Italian, Bologna 1555–1619 Bologna)

Date: ca. 1582

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions: 37 1/2 x 68 in. (95.3 x 172.7 cm)

Classification: Paintings

The idea behind “The Lamentation” is supposed to make viewers feel a sense of remorse for Jesus Christ laying dead on the white cloth. The position of Mary’s head “thrown back in an experimental pose” is supposed to result in a “stylized frieze of mourners” (The Met). When taking a closer look at the painting, we are able to connect with the women in the painting who are in distress about having to wrap Jesus in this cloth. The theme of redemption is coming soon, but first, viewers need to connect with this painting and feel the pain that Jesus had to endure. Jesus enduring death is the pivotal point in Christianity that changed the life of Christians forever.

Title: Hagar and the Angel

Artist: Francesco Maffei (Italian, Vicenza 1605–1660 Padua)

Date: ca. 1657

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions: 41 3/4 x 54 in. (106 x 137.2 cm)

Classification: Paintings

Hagar, Sarah's servant, became pregnant with Abraham's child. When mistreated by Sarah, Hagar fled into the desert, where an angel found her. The angel instructed her to return and promised her son, Ishmael, would become a great nation. After Isaac's birth, tensions rose again, and Hagar and Ishmael were sent away. In the wilderness, when they ran out of water, God intervened, providing for them and promising Ishmael's future (The Met). The theme in this painting is how Hagar needed Divine guidance, the Angel, to point her back
to a promised life of goodness.

Title: The Burial of Christ

Artist: Annibale Carracci (Italian, Bologna 1560–1609 Rome)

Date: 1595

Medium: Oil on copper

Dimensions: 17 1/4 x 13 3/4 in. (43.8 x 34.9 cm)

Classification: Paintings

 Inside of this dark cave, we see a group of people who are about to bury Christ. This painting is to signify the importance of what is to come soon. The “Light on the horizon signals either sunset on his earthly life or sunrise in anticipation of a new beginning with his resurrection” (The Met). A new day is coming, but it's not what people think. The theme represented in this painting is the promise from the beginning of time, that God would save all of humanity.