"Now it came to pass as they
went, that he entered into a certain town: and a certain woman named
Martha, received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary,
who sitting also at the Lord's feet, heard his word. But Martha was busy
about much serving. Who stood and said: Lord, hast thou no care that my
sister hath left me alone to serve? speak to her therefore, that she
help me.And the Lord answering, said to her: Martha, Martha, thou art
careful, and art troubled about many things: But one thing is necessary.
Mary hath chosen the best part, which shall not be taken away from her."
—Luke x. 38-42.
Martha is overlooked. She is
often the bystander. Jesus raises her brother Lazarus, as she and Mary
look on. Mary is more extravagant in her devotion to Jesus, and more
attentive to his words. Martha works, and is diligent, and she knows
that. She feels burdened and, that, she does more than her share.
Siemiradzki has her, in the upper left and in shadow, she is not the focus. The
focus is Jesus. There is an oriel or rondel of light with Jesus at the
centre. Mary sits at His feet catching every word and gesture of the
Master. Martha is off to the side. She is carrying, what seems to be, a
jug. The picture is extravagantly gorgeous, the house of Martha and Mary
is a villa with a gardened courtyard, with a grape vine porch bower,
roses (what is more beautiful than roses in full bloom?) and twisting
mature trees. Mary is in handsome profile, dear Martha’s face is
obscured. [click, earlier post]
Well, before the corona virus 19 hit, i was aware of First Congregational Church of Akron. They have had orchestral concerts there; and i wanted to attend one when the day was long, so that i could photograph their windows. I had seen interior fotos of their church. After two years, i finally came there. In the late morning, i was given a tour. I always enjoy seeing subjects not seen before in ecclesial glass. I saw one i immediately recognised.
The windows were all beautiful. I don't know the studio. Other windows had scenes that are in many other churches. This one was a copy in glass of Siemiradzki's oil painting.
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