'Christ Rising.' 2004. Oil on paper. Signed and dated at bottom right. Signed and dated on verso. 20 x 13 1/2; 24 x 17 1/2" (overall). Matted.
Depictions of Christ with an erection can be found as early as 13th Century Franciscan art. Another, and later noted example is Ludwig Krug's (1488 - 1532) "Christ as the Man of Sorrows." As recently as this year the Times of London reported: "Father Thomas McHale, the priest at Our Blessed Lady Immaculate in Blackhill, Consett, shocked parishioners when he took to the pulpit on Good Friday and told the congregation that Jesus had died with an erection. The local diocese investigated, and upheld a complaint into his conduct." The article goes on to note: "The subject was aired in a 2015 article in Premier Christianity magazine, which related the “strange physiological reaction … the final shame of a crucified man”. A diocese spokesman said: “Father McHale has accepted that his words were inappropriate and has apologized. He remains in post as parish priest.”