\b0 The Crown of Thorns held by the \b \cf4 \ATXht70101 angels\cf0 \ATXht0 \b0 is just above the head of Jesus Christ. In all likelihood, \b \cf4 \ATXht5 Michelangelo\b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 drew his inspiration from the Gospel according to John. Here, the episode of the crowning with thorns is preceded by a report of the dial
ogue between Jesus and the Governor Pilate who expressly asks him if he is ôthe King of the Jewsö (John 18: 33-37) to which he receives an affirmative response, ôThou sayest I am king.ö However, there is a very significant qualification: ômy kingdom is n
ot of this world.ö So the Crown of Thorns becomes symbol of the universal kingship of Christ. His is the victorious king who judges men. (Revelations 11: 15-18)\par