Bom Jesus is a religious shrine on a steep hill overlooking the city of Braga in Northern Portugal. Behind the shrine, a bizarre 17th century staircase winds down the hill – each of its landings featuring a fountain, statue or tableaux interpreting stories and characters from the bible. At the top of the steps is an enormous horseman carrying a spear and an incongruously surreal shield -- the Roman soldier who crucified Christ. I framed this horse and its rider in foliage, which seems to bring it to life. It’s a fairly routine image, until you get to that shield, which screams and keeps screaming. Yet it pretty much remains in context with its times. In the 17th century, religious art was entertainment, education, and sacred ritual. That’s why this strange staircase seems like a 17th century version of Disneyland, and this statue its thematic symbol. No matter where you look within this photograph, the shield, like a kid throwing a tantrum, will keep demanding your attention.