The Sacred Heart
Basic Info
Images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus generally depict Jesus with his heart outside of his chest. The heart is circled with a crown of thorns, pierced in the side in the same way Jesus was on the cross, with flames emerging from the top of the heart and a cross emerging from the flames. It usually emits a glow or light. Usually Jesus is depicted looking at the viewer.
The idea behind the devotional image is roughly that Jesus’ divine love for human beings was so great that it could not be contained in his human body.
Similar artworks of Mary with her heart outside her chest are called the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Historical Notes
The devotion goes back to the Middle Ages, especially in monastic communities, but it gained in popularity in the late 17th century after a nun had visions that encouraged the devotion.
What to Look For
- Jesus’ physical appearance, expression, and gestures
- Jesus’ eyes and the extent to which they focus on the viewer
- The heart (thorns, wound, flame, cross, glow or light)
Questions to Focus a General Interpretation
Does the artwork communicate the fullness of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, or does it seem more like a symbol that is meant to remind the viewer of his or her internally held beliefs and thoughts about the devotion to Jesus’ divine love for humans?
Do the eyes of Jesus in the artwork seem to connect with the viewer as one of the human beings he loves, or is his gaze more remote?
Questions to Guide a Personal Interpretation
Does this artwork evoke in you the experience of being divinely loved by Jesus? If so, which aspects of the artwork seem to be contributing to that sensation? If not, what are some of the ideas or images that symbolize love to you?
Questions to Suggest a Historical Interpretation
In what social, economic, political, or ecclesiological circumstances do people want to be reminded of how much they are loved? Does the artwork seem to respond to such circumstances, or does it seem to simply be created to meet the high demand for such images?
