Today, during this third week of Advent, we see a painting called Dawn of Hope by Daniel Gerhartz. We have seen his work before--two weeks ago, actually, with Journey Home.
Today we see a poignant painting where a little girl in white with a white daisy wreath in her blond hair, cups a flaming candle in a bowl. We see the light reflecting off her peaceful face as she gazes at the fire.
Behind her, a woman lies almost in a fetal position, clutching her head in despair. Her dark hair and neutral color dress add to her depressed demeanor. Behind her in the upper left of the painting, is a ballerina with a similar looking flame-like light next to her.
I wonder if the woman is mourning the loss of her dancing career. Or, perhaps the dancer is a symbol of the joy she once had in life. It seems very far away. She feels alone, not seeming to realize the little girl is there, and not having any conscious memory of whatever the dancer once meant to her.
In spite of all this, the title of the painting lets us know that Hope has come.
That is what the third week of Advent is about.
Hope.
4 comments:
When I first saw this beautiful picture I thought perhaps the woman was in labor. I sat with it before commenting. At either rate, she is definitely in despair of some sort be it pain, illness, or labor. I see the little girl offering hope by way of the lit candle. She almost appears contemplative to me ... waiting for things to come, yet waiting in peace.
Oh, I never thought of labor! You always come up with such wonderful interpretations!
I agree about the little girl--contemplative. Very interesting painting.
I am thinking that true Hope comes when we become as little children - Christ's admonishment. Hope comes with the light of Christ dispelling the darkness. The past fades while the way to the future is lit. As long as we do not step out of the light and are patient with how He leads us, good things will happen.
I agree Barbara. That's a beautiful way to put it.
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