French school; mid-19th century.
"The Olive Orchard,
Coloured pencil and graphite on paper.
Preserves 19th century frame.
Size: 36 x 26.5 cm; 59 x 47.5 cm (frame).
This is a representation of Jesus in the Garden of Olives at the moment when his disciples Peter, John and James are sleeping beside him (Matthew: ch. 26 v. 37; Mark: ch. 14 v. 33). The Gospels narrate that Jesus, in the throes of a strange sadness, went to pray on the Mount of Olives, where the apostles followed him. Once there, Jesus withdraws to one side to pray, the moment of the crucifixion becoming present to him. This episode thus marks the beginning of the bloody Passion in the soul of Christ. Later the angel comforts Him (Luke 22:39-46). He narrates how Jesus knelt down and prayed, saying: "Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; yet not my will but yours be done". Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and comforted him. And in agony, he persisted in his prayer. His sweat became like thick drops of blood falling to the ground. Rising from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them asleep with sorrow; and he said to them, "How is it that you are asleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.