We often hear of people who are introduced to the apostolate simply by seeing the image of Jesus Christ the Returning King. They invariably want to know more about how the image was created and how it came to be a part of our apostolate. Here is a brief history:
In September of 2005, Anne received a series of locutions from Saint Faustina, who revealed to her that the Apostolate of Jesus Christ the Returning King would be an extension of the Divine Mercy mission. On this pilgrimage to the International Divine Mercy Shrine in Poland, Anne received the image of Jesus Christ the Returning King as a gift from the Mother Superior of St. Faustina’s order. The Mother Superior told Anne she was confident that the image was definitely meant for this mission. St. Faustina confirmed the importance of this image in an October 28, 2005 locution, stating:
“The image of Jesus Christ the Returning King should be spread throughout the world. There are many graces attached to this image. Like the Divine Mercy image, this image will be widely recognized as a source of goodness and healing. All who venerate this image will be blessed.”
Obviously, the image was created with heavenly inspiration and direction. To better appreciate the richness of all the details contained in the painting, a phone interview was held on May 21, 2008 with Janusz Antosz, the Polish artist who painted the Jesus Christ the Returning King image.
Janusz quoted Scripture many times during the conversation, and the Scripture references are included in the descriptions below.
General Thoughts about the Painting:
Before Janusz began the painting, he experienced a long period of pain and suffering. From beginning to end, it took him over a year to complete the painting. Janusz stated clearly that this painting is the pearl of his entire body of work. He explained that it is a painting from a technical standpoint, but has many aspects of an icon. The painting blends the Western European painting style with the style of icons from the East. He wanted the painting to have the look of both, so as to include all of the Catholic Church (Eastern and Latin) as well as other Christians (Orthodox). It is a merging of styles that represents a hope for Christian unity. According to Janusz, it shows our Lord’s longing “that they may be one, as We are one” (John 17:22). As a whole, the painting is meant to reflect the glory of Heaven. For Janusz, this painting is a gift back to the Lord for all of the gifts He has given him.
Captured below are Janusz’s responses during the phone interview:
Who are the two individuals at the bottom of painting?
There is not any one particular saint associated to these saints. The individuals represent Eastern and Western saints. The Eastern saint is the hooded individual and the other, a Western saint. In the painting, they both adore the Lord which represents that all believers, from East to West, will adore the Lord.
Please describe the flowers along the arch at the top of the paining.
The flowers, which are shaped as bells, symbolize the good news of a beginning, or in other words, an announcement of a coming. For example, at the beginning of Mass, the bells are rung and the priest enters the sanctuary. In this case, it is the High Priest entering.
What about the gold area below the arch?
The gold area represents the glory and reality of Heaven.
Is there any significance to our Lord’s vestments and the color of the vestments?
Our Lord is dressed as a bishop/priest and the colors are those traditionally used to portray sacrifice as well as glory and praise. The pattern on the vestments is consistent with patterns found in icons. The color of the alb is blue.
How did you decide to portray our Lord’s face?
I modeled our Lord’s face after the Shroud of Turin.
Our Lord’s hand is raised in blessing. Did you know the hand gesture of our Lord in the painting, in sign language, says “I REALLY LOVE YOU”?
Jesus’ hand is the same in all icons and I was trying to replicate the hand gesture of a blessing. I am very surprised to learn that there is an additional meaning in sign language.
What does the scepter with the cross at the top represent?
The scepter represents that through the power of the cross, all power rests with the Lord. “All authority in Heaven and on earth has been give to Me” (Matt 28:18).
And the crown on His head?
His crown reflects His kingship – “The King of kings and the Lord of lords.” (1 Tim 6:15).
What about His halo and the letters around His halo?
The letters around His halo are actually symbols: the letter O is Omega, and the letter N is Greek for “I am”. These words are taken from the book of Exodus 3:14, when Moses asks God for His name.
According to an expert on icons, O and N are symbols of the presence of God and the mystery of the Incarnation – the divine presence becomes visible. Also, in this icon, it reflects the mystery of the coming of our Lord. The invisible God of the Old Covenant becomes visible in the New Covenant when, after having received a body by being born of the Virgin Mary, He appears to us so that we may adore Him as God, who is love.
What was your inspiration for His throne?
The throne is in a style from the 17th century Baroque period. The light, bright colors represent Christ the King’s purity, beauty and holiness. I am trying to convey that the environment around Jesus is very bright and beautiful.
What about the white lilies on the top of His throne?
The white lilies are the flowers closest to our Lord and represent His purity.
What type of angels are in the painting?
These angels are Seraphim angels—the angels present at God’s throne who constantly praise Him (Isaiah 6:1-7).
Is there anything special about the medal around His neck?
The medal with the cross image is on our Lord’s Sacred Heart. It is meant to show that by dying on the cross, He shows the love He has for each one of us. In most of the icons I have seen, the medallion does not have any type of image in it. I felt it appropriate to add the cross for this symbolism.
Please tell me about the flowers directly to the left and the right of his throne.
These flowers are wide open and facing the Lord, meaning they are praising and giving great glory to the Lord.
And the grapes and wheat?
The grapes and wheat represent the Holy Eucharist.
What about the two groups of flowers in the bottom corners?
These flowers are natural flowers, wide open, facing toward Jesus giving Him glory.
Is there anything special about the open area between the two groups of flowers?
By painting this open area, I wanted to convey that through prayer and meditation, we will not have any obstruction on the journey to Christ. We will all have a direct path or an open road to the Lord and we will gain a more intimate relationship and closer union with Him.
Is there anything significant about the gold leaves in the top corners?
These leaves are leaves of a vine, indicating that Jesus is the vine (John 15:1). The leaves are open and giving glory to our Lord. They are also positioned to showcase our Lord.
The image can be purchased online.
