Hi perseusomega9,
I think this is a good example of the Christian imagination at work.
When one studies a good picture of this image, one sees that there is no crucifixion being represented here. The series of broken lines don't really make sense as a cross.
For example, the horizontal cross beam at the top does not make any sense. First, the line curves too much to be a cross beam which should be straight. Second, it seems to cut through the donkey's neck. Was the intention to place the donkey's head behind the crossbeam. It doesn't work. Third, the line looks like an horizon line. It could be part of another piece of graffiti that the artist is drawing over. Also, do the several broken light pieces of line (or breaks in the stone) to the right of the donkey head really connect in any way to the strong line on the left?
A second telltale clue that this is not a crucifixion comes from the donkey's hand.
The hand is clearly separated from the supposed crossbeam line. It is giving a friendly wave to Alexamenos.
Third, notice that the foot of the donkey-man is facing forward and is in back of the bottom horizontal line. This again subverts the idea of this being a crucifixion scene. The bottom line is not supporting the man, the man is standing behind it. In other words, there is no indication he is off the ground. Further, this eliminates the idea that the donkey is facing the crucifixion pole and twisting his head to the side. This makes it impossible for the crucifixion pole to be between him and Alexamenos. How do we see the vertical crucifixion pole if the donkey-man is in front of it?
It is hard to say if the writer meant that Alexamenos really worshipped a donkey-headed god, or if the donkey head means that Alexamenos is stupid like a donkey and therefore worships stupidity. In either case, this image has nothing whatsoever to do with Jesus Christ or crucifixion. The belief that it does is just another case of the Christian imagination running wild and producing faux evidence out of non-existent lines for the existence of their mythological God.
Warmly,
Jay Raskin
