Bethesda Miracle of

Bethesda Miracle Of

in art. Of this there is an ancient representation on a sarcophagus from the Vatican cemetery. The subject occupies the centre of the tomb. A wavy line, representing water, divides the composition horizontally into two compartments: on the lower, the impotent man is seen lying on his couch, which is covered by a coverlet; on the upper, he is seen healed and carrying his couch, while the Lord stretches forth his hand towards him; another figure raises his hand, the fingers arranged as in the Latin form of benediction. The background is formed by ail arcade of three arches supported by columns, intended, no doubt;, to represent one of the "five porches" (Joh 5:2) in which the impotent folk were laid. The same miracle is represented, in a very different style, in the great Laurentiam MS.