…And the Truth Shall Set You Free

…And the Truth Shall Set You Free March 28, 2012

Jesus then said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

–John 8:31-32

Today’s Gospel begins with that dynamic promise by Christ. The Truth will set us free.

The painting at right is titled “Time Saving Truth from Falsehood and Envy.” The artist, French rococo painter François Lemoyne, was born in Paris in 1701, and enjoyed substantial acclaim for his work. He was accepted as a member of the Academie in 1718, and was elected as a professor in 1733.

In his short lifetime, Lemoyne completed a number of large allegorical ceiling paintings. However, historians believe the excess of work, court intrigues at the Palace of Versailles, and the death of Lemoyne’s wife drove him to depression.

In 1737, just three hours after completing this painting, Lemoyne committed suicide—stabbing himself seven times.


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