Waiting for Christ

There are many people in this painting, but our eyes are drawn to one of them in particular that stands out… 

A man is coming straight towards us from the left background, dressed in a light garment.  

Around his head is a wreath of light shining bright. 

There’s no doubt that the person is of special significance. He is, after all, the one they are all waiting for… Jesus. 

In an ambitious composition, we see the action taking place indoors.  

In the middle of the painting, a young woman lies on the floor while a man lifts her head up.  

Next to her, an older woman is seen praying. 

The right half of the composition is dominated by a dark corner of a room with several figures, of which a man comes walking towards us – a link between the scene in the foreground and background.  

His outstretched arms perhaps indicating that he’s blind

There’s no specific event in the life of Jesus depicted in the painting, but a summary of his healings. 

Nørregaard also painted a study for the composition, where several of the figures are in more colourful costumes.  

The sober palette she chose for the final painting adds elegance and, not least, calm and dignity.

Nørregaard completed the painting in four months and showed it at the world-renowned annual art exhibition “Paris Salon” in 1881.