WAKE UP BY MEGHAN WILLIAMS (DYED4YOUART)

 PART 17 OF A 17 PART SERIES ON FAVORITE ART AND ARTISTS

Wake Up by Meghan Williams of Dyed4YouArt

 

My hunch is that if you asked ten Christians what it means for the church to wake up, you might get ten different answers. I wouldn't be shocked if you got twenty.  

While I'd be glad to give my thoughts as to how the church needs to awaken, I'm going to focus on this fine work of art. Of course, there's the lion representing Jesus, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:9-10; Rev. 5:5), speaking to the world, symbolized by a city.

Is this a particular city? My first thought is San Francisco, with the Golden Gate and other bridges. But is my memory correct that New York City also has one? Or is it another city or for that matter a generic city? Either way, the cities I mentioned are not known for listening to the voice of Christ. To me, the city looks unaffected by Christ's roar.

You want to know my thoughts about the church needing to wake up? Ask! I'll be glad to tell you. But what I want to hear is your thoughts about the subject. And does this picture affect you as it does to me?

Also, this is the conclusion of my series on favorite art. You can say I wanted to go out with a bang, or more likely a roar. Starting this blog, let alone the series, is based on a view that God can use the arts for His glory, including drawing the lost to Him and to edify and encourage the Church. In some cases, He can even use art by unbelievers without their knowledge.

P.S. If you'd like to read my interview with Meghan Williams (which also has "Wake Up" on the top), click here.

 

OUTSIDE THE CAMP BY GRACE CAROL BOMER

 PART 16 OF A 17 PART SERIES ON FAVORITE ART AND ARTISTS

Outside The Camp by Grace Carol Bomer

 My only time in an art studio (unless you count art labs in school) was in 2000 when Becky and I visited Soli Deo Gloria Studio in Ashville, NC, home of Grace Carol Bomer. One thing that impressed me was her painting "Outside The Camp," partially because I had recently memorized the passage from Hebrews 13:13: "Therefore let us go to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach." While there, I told her about one concept for a drawing I had and she told me to go for it. (22 years later, and it's still on my to-do list).

It's been a couple of weeks since I interviewed Grace for the blog. Also, her art is described in Nancy Pearcey's book Saving Leonardo. The book includes one of her paintings, "Weeping For The Wiping Of Grace" (right).

What do you think of this painting. Are there any works of art that you find a helpful adaptation of Scripture? 

For the interview, click here.

 

THE GRAIL BY KERRY JACKSON

 PART 15 OF A 17 PART SERIES ON FAVORITE ART AND ARTISTS

 

The Grail by Kerry Jackson

 I had the honor of meeting Kerry Jackson when he and his wife Twyla were here in Indianapolis planting a church which at first met in the Art Bank (have you ever seen a baptism in an art gallery?) and later at the Indy Fringe theater. 

I also enjoy his art. There are four paintings of his I'm including in this collection. 

The title refers to my favorite, which is at the top: The Grail. To me, I can see the young man's zeal and love for Jesus, and possibly a little weariness due to his endeavor. I also see the sense of adventure. It makes

me think of one of my favorite verses, Psalm 84:5 - "Blessed is the man whose strength is in the Lord, and who has set his heart for pilgrimage."

To the left is my second favorite, titled "Can I Go?" which was on display at the Art Bank. On the other side is a completely different type of painting, dealing with human trafficking titled "Hotlanta." 

Finally, there is below a painting he did through his ministry Drawing to the Rock at Arlington Avenue Baptist Church while Becky and I attended there. You'll notice I included a link for the ministry.

What do you think of Kerry Jackson's art, especially "The Grail?" Is there any art that moves you, either to think, to smile, or to have concerns for our sinful world?

PEACEFUL BY TRISH WALTON

 PART 14 OF A 17 PART SERIES ON FAVORITE ART AND ARTISTS

 

"Peaceful" by Trish Walton

 I'm taking a turn in this series. I am moving from artists who lived before my time to those I know personally. Three of the last four I'm featuring Becky and I have met, and the fourth is one I correspond with on-line and interviewed for this blog..

Becky and I have had the honor of knowing Richard and Trish Walton for nearly a quarter of a century. We met them when Richard became an associate pastor at Arlington Avenue Baptist Church (AABC)in '97. Richard then served at another church while Becky and I became a part of another congregation. By '04, when we returned to AABC, Richard was the pastor and Trish was the music director.

I don't remember when it was that I discovered Trish was an artist. But I was impressed. On this post are three of her works: "Peaceful" (above), "Monday Blues" (right), and "Rise Above" (which, with that title, ironically is below). 

My favorite of hers is "Peaceful." Looking at it made me realize - I do like pictures with a small subject dwarfed by the background, whether a spectacular one like "Sodom and Gomorrah" by John Martin (see July 5 blog) and with more natural settings such as Asher Brown Durand's "Kindred Spirits" (see July 13) and Trish Walton's "Peaceful."

Why other reasons do I like about "Peaceful"? I love the blues and greens used here (and also in "Monday Blues"). I find the light, cool colors refreshing.

What do you think about these paintings? Do you find more pastel cool colors more relaxing than the bright or dark colors other artists have used?

KINDRED SPIRITS BY ASHER BROWN DURAND

 PART 13 OF A 17 PART SERIES ON FAVORITE ART AND ARTISTS

Kindred Spirits by Asher Brown Durand

 

Most of the art I've shown up to this point is European in origin. I'm now crossing the Big Pond, as the Brits call it, and conclude with artists from the US. 

The Hudson River School of Painting was founded by Stephen Cole, and one of his students (and friends) was Asher Brown Durand (1796-1886).  Cole passed away in 1848, and another friend, poet William Cullen Bryant spoke an eulogy at his funeral. Art patron Jonathan Sturges was moved by this eulogy, so he commissioned Durand to paint a picture of Cole and Bryant, as a memorial of their friendship for the poet.

Durand for his part encouraged painters to paint landscapes out in the open, using nature as their model, as well as developing their own style, as opposed to working from sketches and imitating the European style of landscapes being allegorical. 

I've got news for you - I love this painting. Would I have it in my series if I didn't? There are two reasons why. First is the beauty of the landscape Durand painted, from the Catskill Mountains, combining the geological formations of Kaaterskill Clove with a small image of Kaaterskill Falls.

The other is that the painting of Cole (right) and Bryant moves me as well. In this case, it is a shared love of nature between the men. In my opinion, Durand did as good a job of capturing what friendship looks like as he does with the natural scenery.

What do you all think of this picture? How would you picture friendship? If someone commissioned an artist to paint a picture of you and a friend similar to "Kindred Spirits," who would be painted with you, and what would be the background?
 

 

YOUNG MARTIN LUTHER AND CAROLERS SING FOR MRS. COTTA IN EISENACH BY FERDINAND PAUWELS

 PART 12 OF A 17 PART SERIES ON FAVORITE ART AND ARTISTS

 

Young Martin Luther and Carolers Sing For Mrs. Cotta in Eisenach by Ferdinand Pauwels

Several years ago, I looked at the works of various artists, trying to discover new favorites (both artists as well as paintings). In doing so, I discovered this painting by Ferdinand Pauwels (Belgian, 1830-1904). 

When I first saw this picture, I was wondering which of the boys was Luther: the dark haired boy who was singing facing Mrs. Cotta or the one on the right who seemed a little more of a free spirit. So I looked up information and did not find a direct answer. 

I did learn that 14 year old Luther was sent to Eisenach by his parents to further his education. Since Luther and his friends didn't have Nintendo or a movie theater or even a baseball game to attend, they did caroling (I'm guessing not just at Christmas).

One of the homes Luther caroled at belonged to Frau Ursula Cotta and her family. She must have seen something in the singing teenager, and invited him to live with them, which he did for the following three years. She passed away in 1511. As a result, though, I think the one who was facing Mrs. Cotta is Luther.

The reformer was a frequent subject of Pauwels' art. There are also paintings of Luther entering the monastery, discovering the Bible, and, of course, nailing the 95 thesis on the Wittenberg door. His interest in the "founder" of Protestantism fascinates me, since Pauwels is the second Belgian I've become familiar with, and the first is the fictional, Catholic, detective Hercule Poirot. 

What do you think about this picture? Are there any people from history that you would paint portraits of if you have the ability?  

THE CONCERT BY GERARD VAN HONTHORST

 PART 11 OF A 17 PART SERIES ON FAVORITE ART AND ARTISTS

 

So far in this series, I have shared my favorite painting of all time (see part 7), my second favorite painting of all time (see part 3), and my second favorite painter of all time (see part 1), but I have yet to mention who my favorite painter is. I'll be glad to answer that question: Gerard van Honthorst (1592-1656), also known as "Gerard of the Nights," due to his paintings of artificially lit scenes.

Van Honthorst was Dutch, like Rembrandt. What I found interesting is that van Honthorst was born about 14 years before Rembrandt and died about 14 years before Rembrandt. I'm curious if the artists knew each other.

I doubt most of you are familiar with van Honthorst, at least by name.  However, I'm guessing that you may have seen his "Adoration of the Shepherds" (left). 

One reason I enjoy van Honthorst is because I see a joy in a lot of his paintings. True, some were more serious in nature such as those dealing with the trial of Jesus (or the painting of the Angel rescuing Peter, to the right). But the Shepherds picture, as well as the Concert above show a cheerfulness. (I also see that cheerfulness in self-portraits of Von Honthorst.)

Did anybody know that I enjoy music? I'm guessing van Honthorst does as well. He has several paintings of musicians. Some are of individuals, some of group, and in one case (left) a Biblical example. 

Have you seen any of van Honthorst's art (besides the Christmas scene or any that I've used as a profile or cover photo on Facebook)? What is your impression of his art that I've shared, and particularly "The Concert" at the top? Is there a painter that does a good job giving you joy? 

ST. PETER PREACHING THE GOSPEL IN THE CATACOMBS BY JAN STYKA

PART 10 OF A 17 PART SERIES ON FAVORITE ART AND ARTISTS

 

St. Peter Preaching The Gospel in the Catacombs, Jan Styka

 

I grew up in Southern California with a lot of tourist attractions. Disneyland. Knott's Berry Farm. Busch Gardens. Movieland Wax Museum. Mission San Juan Capristrano. California Alligator Farm. Marineland. Oh, did I mention Disneyland?

Would you believe on the list is Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery? Why would a young man enjoy going to a cemetery? Because there is a lot of artwork there. The Mystery of Life statue. A copy of Michaelangelo's David. A stained glass replica of Da Vinci's Last Supper. And the panorama paintings of the Crucifixion and Resurrection. The former is 195 feet long and 45 feet wide. I wonder if I could put it in my living room?

A few years ago, I was in a phase of looking at various artists - which is how I've learned about a lot of the artists and paintings that I've covered. So I looked up the Crucifixion painting to find out who did it. The answer is Jan Styka (1858-1925), originally from Austrian Poland. The picture on Wikipedia made me think of Hercule Poirot. That is when I discovered his painting "St. Peter Preaching the Gospel in the Catacombs." 

Am I the only one who thinks of Pentecost when they see this painting? Of course, the title states this was a different event. Probably, the setting for this is Rome. Styka spent time in Rome and in Jerusalem when he was doing the Crucifixion painting. Anyway, this is based on Peter being in Rome before his martyrdom and, as you would expect him to do before being imprisoned, preaching to his brethren.

What is your impression of this painting? Have you ever seen the Crucifixion painting at Forest Lawn? Are there any paintings based on Biblical or Church History stories that bring that era to life?

 

The Crucifixion, Jan Styka, in the Hall of Crucifixion/Resurrection, Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Glendale, CA. By FLgruiz - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=114022881

FOUR MEN IN A FURNACE BY RUSSELL HARLAN

 PART 9 OF A 17 PART SERIES ON FAVORITE ART AND ARTISTS

 

Black & white version of Russell Harlan's "Four Men In A Furnace."

I've always enjoyed drawing and writing, but by the time I got to High School, the only artist I knew of was Van Gogh, and that was because Snoopy had his paintings in his dog house! I did hear of a few others, but it wasn't until I studied art for a year at Yavapai College Verde Valley campus that I became familiar with most of the famous painters.

There was one artist that I noticed and enjoyed when I was in junior and senior high school, though. His name was Russell Harlan (1914-1972), and he was one of the illustrators for Arthur Maxwell's 10 volume The Bible Story. There were several full page pictures, and the artist of the painting was identified. Harlan's always stood out to me. 

I will admit: this may not be my favorite Harlan painting (though the color version is in the book). I no longer have access to The Bible Story. Probably my favorite painting in there was of a cheerful Paul waving as he was about to get on a boat, preceding the first story of the second section of vol. 10 (each volume had the stories divided into four sections). I don't remember if that was a Harlan or not, and I couldn't locate it.

Harlan also did art for 7th Day Adventist publications, which does not surprise me because Maxwell also was an Adventist. 

What are your thoughts of the above artwork? Do you have any memories of artwork you saw, whether or not you know who the artist was?

 

JESUS AND THE LITTLE CHILDREN (ARTIST UNKNOWN)

 PART 8 OF A 17 PART SERIES ON FAVORITE ART AND ARTISTS

Jesus and Children painting at Rutland Prayer Chapel

One of my favorite paintings is in the Rutland Prayer Chapel at Ridgecrest Retreat Center in Asheville, NC. However, I have no idea who the artist is. 😥

Is this a historical representation of Jesus blessing the children from Matthew 19? Of course not. Jesus was in an exclusively Jewish context at that time. But we need to remember Christ died for all. Color doesn't matter. Nationality doesn't matter. What does is faith and trust. As Paul wrote in Galatians 5:6, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything but faith working in love."

What are your thoughts about this painting? Are there any instances that your perception of who Jesus loves has been expanded beyond its previous limits?

SAVING CASTAWAYS, BY FRANCISZEK KSAWERY LAMPI

 PART 3 OF A 16 PART SERIES ON FAVORITE ART AND ARTISTS

Saving Castaways by Franciszek Ksawery Lampi

Yes, I'll admit I'm a Romantic. It shows up in my tastes in music: my favorite classical music includes Beethoven's 7th symphony, Wagner's Flying Dutchman Overture, Bruckner's 4th symphony (Romantic), Brahms' 1st symphony, and Tchaikowsky's Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture. Those who are familiar with these compositions will conclude I don't listen to much wimpy music. 

After doing a part in this series fitting for Independence Day, I have shared a couple posts dealing with perceptions of the direction this country is going. But I'm going a different direction, and I'm doing so with my all time favorite painting.

This is "Saving Castaways" by Polish painter Franciszek Ksawery Lampi (1782-1852), also known as Franz Xaver Lampi (don't ask me to pronounce either version). He is known for portraits of beautiful women and stirring landscapes such as the one above. His father and older brother also were painters, known respectively as Johanne Baptist von Lampi the Elder and the Younger. How cool is it to have "Baptist" as part of your name? Unfortunately, Franz was estranged and disinherited from his father, who stayed in Russia with the younger Baptist, while Franz settled in Warsaw.

Why is this painting my favorite? Simple. The title. For a person with a heart for refugees, it should be expected for me to adore a painting of such a rescue operation. Plus, having an evangelical background, it shouldn't surprise you for me to be moved by a painting that looks meant to be accompanied by the Fanny Crosby hymn "Rescue the Perishing." 

We may be concerned for this country, but the Church has a job, and it is to rescue the castaways. We are not here to be concerned about current trends - we're here to reach the lost.

What is your impression of this painting? Do you have a heart for rescuing those in need, physically or spiritually?

HOPE IN A PRISON OF DESPAIR BY EVELYN DE MORGAN

 PART 6 OF A 17 PART SERIES ON FAVORITE ART AND ARTISTS

Hope in a Prison of Despair by Evelyn De Morgan

Yes, you may have seen me use this picture as a cover photo and/or a profile photo on Facebook.

Evelyn De Morgan (born Mary Evelyn Pickering, 1855-1919) was from England. Her paintings have themes that are identified by scholars as spiritualist, feminist, and pacifist.

The reason I like this picture is because to me it deals with being in a role of encouragement. There are times we need someone to share a light in our life, but we also should be ready to be the one with the light to help others escape their prison of despair.

Today is July 6, a couple of days after Independence Day. Yesterday, I posted a picture of Sodom and Gomorrah and asked if our country was headed there. Maybe we are, and maybe we aren't. But is this country in a Prison of Despair? Are we regularly discouraged and depressed from hearing the news and looking at the state of this nation? And is there hope with us?

What is your impression of this painting? Do you identify more with the prisoner or the one with the light of hope?

SODOM AND GOMORRAH BY JOHN MARTIN

 PART 5 OF A 17 PART SERIES ON FAVORITE ART AND ARTISTS

Sodom and Gomorrah, John Martin 

  

You may be familiar with fire and brimstone preachers, but how about a fire and brimstone painter? And is it a coincidence that I'm showing a picture of Sodom and Gomorrah the day after Independence Day?

Several years ago, I looked at several artists, and one that made an impression was English painter John Martin (1789-1854). I've mentioned my impression with the scale of Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" four days ago. Martin is similar. He's known for having small figures in large scenes.

Martin has a beautiful painting called "The Plains of Heaven" (left), but a lot of his paintings deal more with destruction and judgment, from Biblical themes like the deluge and Sodom and Gomorrah to non-Biblical images like the Destruction of Pompei.

Maybe it's just me, but there is a "Wow" factor to Martin's painting style you may not see with other painters. There should be a "Wow" factor when we see God at work as well, whether the beauty and goodness He shows to His people or the sincerity when He renders to sinners their due. 

Unfortunately, too often we fall into the trap of the inhabitants Jerusalem to whom God said, "And at that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and will punish those settled in complacency, who say the LORD will not do good nor will He do evil." (Zephaniah 1:12)

Is there any connection to the definition of complacency given above, where our nation is at spiritually, and Sodom and Gomorrah? One can argue that those cities had that mindset, not believing that goodness would be rewarded or evil would be punished. Likewise, is our current culture in that mindset, thinking that we are in control of our lives, and seeing anyone who believes that our society isn't where it should be as being the enemy?

One last thought. If God destroyed Noah's world with flood and rained fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah, will there be a time when any country that rebels against God will provoke God to wrath and will receive what they deserve?

What are your thoughts of John Martin's painting style? And is this nation in danger of God's judgment?

THE REPUBLICAN CLUB BY ANDY THOMAS

PART 4 OF A 17 PART SERIES ON FAVORITE ART AND ARTISTS

 

"The Republican Club" by Andy Thomas

 I originally planned on doing this series on favorite art/artists for the month of June (2022), using Emil Nolde's Pentecost painting on Pentecost Sunday (June 5). But between having several interviews I wanted to post in early/mid June and the time pressure to have this ready on time, I decided to move it back a month.

So this brought up another issue - Independence Day. I didn't have a patriotic favorite for that day... or did I. Then I realized that I do have a favorite painting I forgot to include for what started as a 16 part series, which is appropriate today: "The Republican Club" by Andy Thomas.

The faithful will remember me sharing this on President's Day, with Thomas' "The Democrat Club" also included. Both are great paintings, but I definitely like "The Republican Club" better. Which most people who know me would expect, but not for the reason they expect.

Yes, my politics tend to be Republican. In fact, some of the times I don't vote for the Republican is because I lean Republican. For example, in '96, I voted Libertarian in the 10th Congressional District race (Indiana) because the Libertarian was pro-life and the Republican was absolutely not. A decade later, for a city-council race, I looked at the voter guide where one of the questions was if they thought taxes needed to be raised. As you'd expect, most Republicans said no - there was just one exception - and most Dems mistakenly thought they did - again, with one exception. The incumbent for my district was the Republican exception and the challenger was the Democratic exception. So guess who I voted for?

Likewise, a lot of my favorite presidents are Republican as well. You'll of course recognize the Bushes, Trump, Reagan, Nixon, Ford, and Lincoln in the forefront. Maybe you might notice Coolidge and Grant in the background. A closer look will reveal my favorites: McKinley, Taft, Arthur, Garfield, and Hayes. Also, if you asked me if I had a choice of living President to have lunch with, that would definitely been our 43rd President, George W. Bush (with - believe it or not - Carter and - more unbelievably - Clinton in the next spots.

But the reality is that the reason I like "The Republican Club" better than "The Democrat Club" (left) is because I like one painting better than the other. And the reason I like one better than the other is ascetics. I think (just my opinion) the faces looked more natural in the Republican one than some of the Democrats (I didn't really like the representation of Andrew Jackson, for example). 

I do have one question for Andy Thomas if I ever have the opportunity to interact with him. I notice there a brunette lady in both pictures, in the background, but a little closer up than some of the Presidents pictured. Who is she supposed to be?

As I am typing this, I realize one classic that would have been appropriate is John Trumbull's iconic "Declaration of Independence" (I'll post that below) or his "George Washington Resigning His Commission." But while they are good paintings of historical events, they don't make the top of my list in art.

What is your impression of "The Republican Club?" If you want to look at "The Democrat Club", you can google it or you can see it on my President's Day blog (to go to it, click here) - do you agree with me liking one over the other? Same or different reasons? And since I shared Trumbull's "Declaration of Independence", what do you think of that in comparison to Andy Thomas' work?

One more comment. The next three days, I'll be developing on the theme of where our country is at with three more paintings, none of which are specifically about our country, but still...

PENTECOST BY EMIL NOLDE

 PART 3 OF A 17 PART SERIES ON FAVORITE ART AND ARTISTS

One intriguing book I read was Saving Leonardo by Nancy Pearcey. She focused on two ways to secularism, and the book was full of artwork reflecting on those paths. However, she also mentioned contemporary art that reflected a Christian point of view. On one page, she had a painting from Grace Carol Bomer, whom Becky and I had the privilege of meeting and seeing her studio in 2000, and to its left, what has become my second favorite painting of all time, Pentecost by Emil Nolde (1867-1956) (I'll be sharing my favorite picture a few days from now.).

There are individuals who I have mixed feelings of. I like a lot of Nolde's art, especially those with a faith motif, mainly because of its expressionist use of color (though I usually prefer realist and Romantic style of art). However, there are problems with Nolde. Namely, the German Nolde was a Nazi, and shared in the party's anti-Semitism. Nolde and Hitler weren't mutual admirers, though. The regime condemned his work, and in 1941 he was forbidden to paint, even in private.. So he was an obedient and didn't paint during that time ... except, like a true artist would, hundreds of watercolors which he hid and called his "Unpainted Pictures."

Back to "Pentecost." I'll admit that I like the painting better than Becky does. But I find it very moving, and capturing the power of the event.

What are your thoughts about this picture? Which pictures based on Biblical/Christian themes do you find moving? Are there artists (novelists, painters, musicians, etc.) who you enjoy their work but find yourself at odds with their beliefs?

THE EXALTATION OF THE CROSS BY ADAM ELSHEIMER

 PART 2 OF A 17 PART SERIES ON FAVORITE ART AND ARTISTS

 

The Exaltation of the Cross by Adam Elsheimer

 One of the foundations for this blog is to examine how arts are used to promote the Gospel/Christian faith. Obviously, "The Exaltation of the Cross" by Adam Elsheimer (1578-1610) is an example.

I would like to compare this with another photo with a similar motif: "The Adoration of the Lamb" (the Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck (1390-1441). I was introduced to this painting via Francis Schaeffer's How Should We Then Live?", with this painting on the cover of the book and shown at the beginning of each part of the 10 part film series.

The Adoration of the Lamb (the Ghent altarpiece) by Jan van Eyck

Both of these paintings are reverent and Christ centered, showing adoration to Christ. The differences are more the style of the artists.

I personally like Elsheimer's painting better, which is why I mentioned it in the title of this blog. But why? Maybe I like the light pictured in that one better, with it coming from the rear of the upper left corner, as opposed to the orb in van Eyck's. More likely, Elsheimer's seems to have more motion as opposed to the stillness in van Eyck.

Both have groups of people that I'm not sure who they represent. But they seem more individual in Elsheimer as opposed to the four set groups at each corner of van Eyck. Plus, Elsheimer seems to have fewer but larger people.

My hunch is that if I really analyzed my preference for Elsheimer, it's more personality than theology. The era might have something to do with it as well. Elsheimer, who's more recent by going on two centuries died shortly after Rembrandt was born. My favorite painter, who I'll deal with a while later, was born a little earlier than Rembrandt, but Elsheimer would be more of an influence/mentor than a peer.

What do you think of the two paintings? Do you like one better than the other? Any particular reason? (And it's fine if there isn't, since enjoying art is subjective.)

 

THE NIGHT WATCH, REMBRANDT HARMENSZOON VAN RIJN

 PART 1 OF A 17 PART SERIES ON FAVORITE ART AND ARTISTS

"The Night Watch" by Rembrandt

Is it any surprise that when they named a car after an artist, they called it a Rembrandt? Why not a Van Gogh or a Dali or a Picasso? 

I'm starting this series with probably the best known artist I'll be covering. Is Rembrandt (1606-1669) my favorite painter? Almost - he's my second favorite (I'll be dealing with my favorite later, of course). He did my favorite Resurrection painting, "The Risen Christ Appearing to Mary Magdalene"(see below).

My favorite Rembrandt is the one pictured above. I don't know why it's better known as "The Night Watch" rather than its proper title, "The Company of Captain Frans Banning Cocq and Lieutenant Willem van Ruytenburch Preparing to March Out." 

One reason I like it is the large scale of it. Several of the people stand out. In fact, though I've been lifelong non-military (like my Dad and Grandfather), I would like to hang around this group of people. Well, I'm not sure about the guy in the red with a sword - I'm not sure I'd like to get in an argument with him.

Why do I like this picture? After thinking about it, I've come to the conclusion that it's camaraderie. This group of people strike me as being a team. There is mutual loyalty between them.

Shouldn't the church be like that? We are facing spiritual warfare, but do we too often view ourselves as fighting our battle, rather that being united with our fellow believers with a common goal?  

Are you also a Rembrandt fan? If so, which paintings of his do you like?