Christ the Redeemer Statue

Objective

I can analyze the Christ the Redeemer Statue and how it connects to Jesus and the Gospel Message

Christ the Redeemer Statue

Discussion Questions

What do you first notice about this work of art?
What do you like about this work of art?
Who is this a statue of? Where do you think it’s located?
Why do you think a city or country would build a statue of Jesus like this overlooking their city or land?
Why do you think the artists chose to depict Jesus with His arms open wide?
How would you feel if you could look up every day in the place you lived and see a large statue of Jesus like this?

This statue is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is called Christ the Redeemer. In the 1850s, Fr. Maria Boss suggested the idea of having a statue of Jesus atop Mount Corcovado, but his idea did not come to fruition for 80 years. In the 1920s and ’30s, money for building the statue was raised by the Catholic Circle of Rio. It was designed and made by Paul Landowski, Heitor da Silva, and Gheorghe Leonida. It is made of reinforced concrete with an outer layer of soapstone.

Activity 1: Christ the Redeemer Statue

Take several minutes to quietly view the picture before you say or ask anything. Then, in small groups, discuss the conversation questions. During this time, stay focused on the images and the discussion questions.

Christ the Redeemer Statue.pdf

Discussion Questions

Does this statue look more like Jesus on the Cross or Jesus after His resurrection, or both? How?
What does the word Gospel mean?
What is the Good News?
Why is salvation Good News?
How do Jesus’ death and Resurrection show us the truth that God is love?
What is one question you would ask the painter about his work?
How did the artist probably want the people who viewed his statue to feel?

Activity 2: Christ the Redeemer Statue Review

Imagine the school was given a picture of the Christ the Redeemer Statue to hang in our school. Write a five to seven sentence paragraph explaining what is shown in the artwork and how it can inspire the students of our school.