Shadow of Death
by William Holman Hunt (1827-1910)
I think the different themes are fascinating.
I think the different themes are fascinating.
If you're not familiar with this painting, read this Wikipedia squib. I don't think they catch all of the symbolism, but it has some interest tidbits.
Interesting symbolism... but what person really stretches their arms like that? :-)
ReplyDeleteYeah...seriously.
ReplyDeleteBefore we actually studied this painting in school, I just thought it was a guy rejoicing or praising or something.
I don't think of it as stretching...I think of it as submitting to the will of and praising the victory of the Father.
Death is a shadow, while Jesus arms are raised in triumph, blessing, and praise.
Yeah. I like thinking about symbolism. Anyways...
Yes, I confess that I would not have guessed he was stretching his arms. Also, what did they mean that Mary keeping the gifts was thrifty? It was smart!
ReplyDeleteI really really like this painting, which I had seen before (and had read the Wikipedia article). I agree with Miss Pickwickian about Jesus' "submitting to the will of and praising the victory of the Father." Although I hadn't thought of it that way before - I thought on the most obvious level perhaps Jesus was rejoicing in a beautiful day. C'mon, y'all - don't you ever feel like that when the sun submitting to the will of and praising the victory of the Father.is out? : ) I do.
ReplyDelete~Edith
Huh, somewhere in there I must have hit paste twice. Sigh. What I MEANT to say was:
ReplyDelete"C'mon, y'all - don't you ever feel like that when the sun is out? : ) I do."
And no, I wasn't being funny - sunny days make me think about the New Creation.
~Edith