Seven Acts of Mercy

Inspired by Caravaggio’s treatment of the same subject, this theme is derived from the passage of Matthew 25: 34 - 40, which suggests that any act of mercy performed for any person is also a benefit to the Messiah. The charitable acts read like this:

"For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat. I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink. I was a stranger, and ye took me in. Naked, and ye clothed me. I was sick, and ye visited me. I was in prison, and ye came unto me."

There are actually only six examples of charity in this passage, but the Catholics added a seventh (since 7 is a much better number than 6,) being the burial of the dead.

I was interested in doing a multi-figure composition, and this allowed me the opportunity. It is a nice companion to my “Seven Deadly Sins.” In it the figure is being clothed, fed, hydrated, visited, sheltered, and comforted, while the seventh figure buries a skull.

 

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