The Roman Soldier

Artist Statement

The Roman Soldier captures the profound moment of realization when a man of war, once blind to the truth, recognizes the divinity of the One he helped crucify. This wall relief depicts the soldier at the foot of the cross, looking up at Christ’s slain body. The blood still flows at his feet—not just at the hands of his fellow soldiers, but from wounds he, himself, inflicted with skillful, brutal precision. Hours earlier, he had beaten Christ, striking with the intent to harm but not kill. Now, in the wake of Christ’s final breath, he stands in awe, uttering the words, “Surely, this was the Son of God.”

Central in the sculpture is Christ’s nail-pierced hand, surrounded by palm leaves. The wounded hand serves as a reminder that Christ’s sacrifice extends even to men like the Roman soldier—those who once opposed Him. The palm leaves, as seen in Revelation, symbolize victory, a triumphant reminder that Christ’s death was not a defeat, but the ultimate redemption.

On the left side of the sculpture, a section of the world is depicted, including Europe—home to Rome and the soldier himself—as well as the Middle East, where Christ was born. This geographical element reinforces the historical reality of the event while also symbolizing the universal reach of Christ’s sacrifice. His death was not for one nation or people alone, but for the redemption of the world.

Though the torn veil, the trembling earth, and the resurrection of the dead are not depicted in this piece, they serve as the unseen forces that led to the soldier’s awakening. This work is a meditation on transformation—how even the most hardened can be brought to their knees by truth, and how the weight of divine love can turn an oppressor into a witness.