The artwork depicts a radiant cross towering above a chaotic heap of powerless pagan deities—images of gods like Jupiter and Venus—symbolizing their defeat. Above, angelic figures herald the triumph, while below, the broken remnants of heathen worship lie in ruin, emphasizing the supremacy of Christ over the pagan pantheon.
This was not a concept invented by Doré. Indeed, throughout the New Testament, Jesus was portrayed as being superior to the pantheon of Roman deities in a way that would have been unmistakable to the Greco-Roman mind. Below is a list demonstrating this concept, though it is by no means exhaustive, and some instances even overlap.
1. Authority over Poseidon/Neptune: By calming the sea and walking on water, Jesus demonstrated control over the natural elements governed by Poseidon (Greek) or Neptune (Roman). In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus calms a storm on the Sea of Galilee with a word. Later, he walks on water, further showing his superior authority over the realm of the sea, which the Greco-Roman world associated with these deities.
2. Authority over Hades/Pluto: Throughout his ministry, Jesus raised several individuals from the dead, including Lazarus (John 11:1-44), Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:21-43), and the widow’s son at Nain (Luke 7:11-17). Each of these acts demonstrated his power over Hades (Greek) or Pluto (Roman), who were regarded as rulers of the underworld. Jesus’ own resurrection further affirmed his ultimate victory over death itself.
3. Authority over Asclepius: Healing the sick was a central aspect of Jesus’ ministry. He restored sight to the blind (John 9:1-12), cleansed lepers (Luke 17:11-19), and healed the paralyzed (Mark 2:1-12). In doing so, he displayed greater power than Asclepius, the Greco-Roman god of medicine and healing. […]
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