The Story Unfolds
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me." The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
Story Summary
Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey while crowds wave palm branches.
Masterpiece Showcase
Artwork Details
"Entry of Christ into Jerusalem"
Pedro Orrente
c. 1620
Oil on canvas
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Curator's Insights
About the Art
Orrente captures the joyful celebration while hinting at the tragedy to come, showing both triumph and humility.
About the Artist
Pedro Orrente was a Spanish Baroque painter influenced by Caravaggio's dramatic style and religious intensity.
Historical Context
This work reflects the Spanish Golden Age's deep Catholic devotion and dramatic religious expression.
Techniques Used:
Symbolism:
- Donkey shows humble kingship
- Palm branches represent victory
- Crowd's joy contrasts with coming passion
Interactive Art Adventure
Look Closer
- Look at all the people celebrating and waving branches
- Notice Jesus riding humbly on a donkey, not a horse
- See the beautiful city of Jerusalem in the background
Creative Spark
Make your own palm branches from green paper and practice waving them like the crowds did.