Christ of the Gospels

Painting

-

Calvin University Center Art Gallery

The image depicts a richly golden framed icon with a central figure depicted with a halo, holding a book, and dressed in white robes, standing on a small rainbow. The figure is set against an oval blue background with intricate geometric lines radiating outward, suggesting divinity and light, and the corners of the icon have Greek letters inscribed, enhancing the sacred and traditional feel of the artwork.

The image depicts a richly golden framed icon with a central figure depicted with a halo, holding a book, and dressed in white robes, standing on a small rainbow. The figure is set against an oval blue background with intricate geometric lines radiating outward, suggesting divinity and light, and the corners of the icon have Greek letters inscribed, enhancing the sacred and traditional feel of the artwork.

Name/Title

Christ of the Gospels

Entry/Object ID

2017.6.1

Type of Painting

Panel

Artwork Details

Medium

egg tempera

Category

Biblical People, Liturgical Symbol, On-Display at Calvin University
People, Symbol

Made/Created

Artist

Caroline Lees

Date made

2017

Dimensions

Dimension Description

image size

Height

18 in

Width

9-3/16 in

Exhibitions

Permanent Collection: May 29 - July 10, 2018 Center Art Gallery
Loan - Spaan Collection @ Dordt College
Loan - Spaan Collection @ 2nd CRC - Grand Haven, Michigan
Spaan and PC - February 15 - April 8, 2022
Loan - Spaan Collection @ LaGrave CRC
Spaan Collection - August 27 - November 29, 2024

General Notes

Note

Caroline Lees is a contemporary icon painter who lives and works in London, England. These two works were commissioned especially for the Donna Spaan Collection of Contemporary Art and combine both traditional and contemporary aspects of icon painting. Both icons are renderings of Christ in a similar size using simple lines, a frontal profile with elongated legs and the sculptural use of the mandorla surrounding the image of Christ. In the Christ of the Gospels icon, the face of Christ is human - not overly severe, but rather appealing so as to invite viewers into the contemplation of God’s presence and into the world of art. This Christ is both Lord of light and teacher of light – holding the Word of God and promising his faithfulness forever in the symbol of the rainbow depicted below His feet.