NAVIGATION

Images based on the passion of Christ became increasingly common from the 13th century. Both St Bernard and St Frances of Assisi placed a special emphasis on the humanity of Christ and encouraged an affective spirituality, which concentrated on the passion. They believed human compassion, the natural sense of sympathy and pity for the suffering of others could be harnessed to inspire and deepen faith in Christ and to strengthen devotion to him. The image of Christ on the cross was no longer solely the sign of God’s love and sacrifice for humanity; it became the focus for humanity’s own compassion for the suffering saviour.