21 East – The Bursting Pomegranate
George Klingensmith – Donor
The pomegranate’s association with Christ’s resurrection made it a common symbol in art in the Middle Ages. From the time of the early Church, the pomegranate was understood as signifying the passion and resurrection of Christ. The terminal point on the orb-shaped fruit forms a heraldic crown, a sign of royalty. When the deep red shell bursts open, the seeds bleed forth a deep red juice, a symbol of Christ’s blood. The burst-open rind is the open tomb on Easter morning, the proof of Christ’s triumph over death.
…for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. —Matthew 26:28