We escaped for two days in the mountains
and along the way were drawn to a small
chapel nestled in a hilly college campus.
And found this. A fresco by the same artist (Ben Long) our children watched work
his craft years ago on a bank wall in our fair city. His simple, clear and colorful
work draws me in. This Return of the Prodigal is filled with symbolism.
A docent asked if we had time to sit for a few minutes and she proceeded to
read the moving story from Luke 15.
The theme of the fresco is, of course, "forgiveness."
Maybe what touched me the most was the empty bag by the son's staff.
Empty. He left home with so much and came back with nothing.
I could have looked for a long time.
This is one of those experiences that define a day, or a holiday, or a year. To come upon such a beautiful place would have been special enough, but to then have the story read to you as you studied the fresco must have elevated the experience to another level altogether. I am going to enlarge your photo to have a really good look.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful mural to have in a chapel. Even better than a picture of Christ, because the mural depicts why Christ came and one can get a true sense of what that means for us.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing artist! And the roads you traveled look something like the ones we were on a few days ago! We sure love these beautiful mountains. Everything is so green and lush and there are still quite a few wildflowers blooming too! Sweet hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteThat is beautiful. How wonderful to be able to sit there and look at it in person. What I noticed first was the character on the right, presumably the other brother seething as he watched his father's generous care toward the prodigal. He portrayed it well even by the stance. Amazing artist. Thank you for sharing that with us. I bet it was a lovely mountain drive. Looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteNotice the significant color of the brother's cloak.
DeleteWhat a moving experience. Seeing the painting there in the chapel and then hearing the story read as you watch would really add to the depth of the passage.
ReplyDeleteForgiveness seems to be the theme we are hearing lately. We saw Calvary on Monday night with the theme of forgiveness and our community was touched by the wife of a friend who was killed by a drunk/drugged driver forgiving the driver. The world would be a better place if we would truly forgive others.
ReplyDeleteWhat a powerful experience Dotsie.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful painting to reflect and meditate on - there is so much in it.
I'm so glad you travelled on that road and had your trust camera at the ready too!
One of life's special moments for sure.
An interesting painting that takes careful studying to take in all the details. I'm glad you stopped there and shared your experience with us.
ReplyDeleteAhhh...wonderful. So much is communicated in such a painting. What tender love The Father has for His child.
ReplyDeleteA very beautiful work of art and filled with so much meaning. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteA most magnificent interpretation of the Prodigal son.. How amazing , to have the story read out to you.
ReplyDeleteThe poor son..so weak and frail. Everyone looking on at him. His father holding him in his arms. The painting speaks for itself.
Thank you for sharing this Podso..
Happy weekend
val
We went there on the same sort of trip. Went to all Ben Long's frescoes in the mts. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThat is beautiful! I love this story in the scriptures! The Father waiting and watching for the return of His child.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this painting with us Dotsie!
Deanna
Thanks for pointing out the empty bag with its touching symbolism. And how meaningful that you were able to hear the story of the painting being read while you looked.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a nice two days, love the scenic road shot.. And the chapel is beautiful! Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteI've loved catching up on every single post. I deeply appreciate your eye for details and their nuances. I remember once seeing a painting of Mary holding Jesus after His crucifixion that just took me to my knees... sometimes artists can convey the emotions of these moments in ways you almost feel as though you are there. There is a powerful message in this one.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoyed your birthday month! We celebrated Little B's and one of my dearest friend's, too. Lots of good August folks. blessings and hugs ~ tanna