I have been reflecting on this painting, 'The Shadow of Death' by Holman Hunt today. As Jesus stretches his arms the evening light casts a shadow against the back wall and the tools hung on the back wall form a cross bar. Although we do not see the woman's face we know that it is Mary who is opening a chest full of the gifts brought by the Magi at Jesus' birth. But she is not looking in the box her eyes are stuck by the shadow that seems to be predicting what is to come.
The painting holds much more but I will leave you to ponder the significance of it in your own time... it's much more fun that way!
What does art have to tell us? Everything. When we reflect theologically, there is only so much that logic, reason and propositions can tell us. God engages our imagination on a much deeper level. Thank you Jo!
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