The Passion and Exaltation of Jesus -- Author's Oil Paintings Offer New Perspective to Stations of the Cross


PALM DESERT, Calif., July 13, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Mel Gibson's box office-busting film about the last hours of Jesus' life, "The Passion of the Christ," has brought a renewed interest in one of history's most prolific figures. Gibson garnered his version from Scripture, and so does Billy F. Baumann, who reinterprets the "Stations of the Cross" through painting in the new book, The Passion and Exaltation of Jesus: A series of paintings and related Bible quotations of Jesus' last few days on earth covering His trial, crucifixion, burial, resurrection and Ascension (now available through AuthorHouse).

Baumann has been a devout follower of Jesus since childhood. A painter whose interests lay in realistic representations, he longed to render a new series of the 14 "Stations of the Cross" that adorn the walls of nearly every Catholic and Episcopal church. These stations depict the betrayal, suffering, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus and are based on Bible verses.

As Baumann researched the Bible further, he discovered a number of discrepancies in traditional representations, some of which he presents in his oil paintings. First, he found that not all of the 14 stations are actually found in the Bible. Thus, he chose to paint 18 stations beginning with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and ending with a scene illustrating Jesus' influence on the world. Also, the traditional concept of Christ carrying the cross is historically incorrect, he writes. Normally, the main beam was already planted in the earth prior to crucifixion and the condemned carried the crossbeam to their execution. Also, traditional depictions show the nails going through Jesus' palm, but Baumann contends they were actually nailed through his wrists to support his weight.

The result is a series of beautifully rendered oil paintings portraying the last hours of Jesus' life. Each piece of art is accompanied by a corresponding Bible quotation that helps tell the story. The Passion and Exaltation of Jesus is a new introduction to the solemn moments that spawned the world's greatest sacrifice.

After a 43 year career in aviation, which included three years in World War II, Baumann decided to return to college. He earned bachelor's degrees in humanities and art while discovering a new love for painting. After visiting historic sites in New England, he decided to paint a series called "Dramatic Moments in American History," a 22 piece series that was displayed at several venues and galleries throughout California, including the Richard M. Nixon Library and Birthplace Foundation. The Passion and Exaltation of Jesus is his first book.

AuthorHouse is the world leader in publishing and print-on-demand services. Founded in 1997, AuthorHouse has helped more than 18,500 people worldwide become published authors. For more information, visit www.authorhouse.com.



            

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