This painting, from a series called Passion of Christ, established Romare Bearden, as an abstract painter. It marks the beginning of his experimentation with media and technique that would eventually lead to his later collages. He is Risen is not so much a translation of the biblical text as it is a statement about the human condition, and his hope for the future of African Americans. The painting captures the spirit of resurrection, and its vibrant colors create a celebratory mood. To create the oil paintings from this primarily watercolor series, Bearden enlarged his initial watercolor sketch, traced it onto a panel that he had primed for painting and thinned the oil medium so the end result resembled a watercolor. He is Risen was first purchased by Duke Ellington, and it remained in his family until the IMA acquired it.