This painting can be found at Holy Innocents Church in New York. The artist, Charles Bosseron Chambers (1882-1964), a prominent illustrator and religious artist, had just attended Mass when he noticed a young French soldier kneeling at the foot of a crucifix. He was so moved that he started work on this painting.
The cross is located in the northwest corner of the church. It is called "The Return" because this soldier, seeking a return to faith, stopped here to say a prayer before he went off to fight in World War I. Ever since, this crucifix has been the object of devotion for people all over the world.
