Roman Soldier offers Jesus the sponge with vinegar

The artist depicts the roman sodier who according to the gospels (MT 27:48, MK 15:36) offered Jesus the sponge soaked in vinegar wine which was a common custom during crucifixions when the soldiers perceived the victim needed something to help bear the pain. The image of the soldier is quite small and is located below the three larger figures to the right of Jesus.

Although the staff and sponge (similar to that held by the other soldier with the spear) is not visable in this 1938 restoration, it was most certainly part of the original painting.

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Source: Fr. Michael Scanlan, T.O.R. , The San Damiano Cross: An Explanation (Franciscan University Press Steubenville, Ohio 1983)

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