On Wednesday afternoon I was lucky enough to escape the chores and domestics and spend some time in the Fitzwilliam Gallery in Cambridge looking at some of the paintings of John Singer Sargent.  It was an absolute joy and as I stood in front of one oil painting of  the Mount of Olives Jerusalem I was transported to that hot dusty landscape despite the snow lying outside. Now I have many books on the technique of painting, the brush strokes, the use of colour, perspective,composition and I could analyse to some degree the techniques used and how this piece of art was formed, but I could not in a million years explain what gave it that power and beauty for that is something gifted and beyond mere technique.

 

I don't pretend to be an academic,or to completely understand the clever discussions which will take place in the synod of the Church today about science and religion. I do know that brighter people than I can explain the existence of our earth and our plant and animal life, but I wonder if it is not a bit like the painting. Even with all the scientific analysis of elements and species and atoms, it cannot quite explain to me the power and beauty of creation, the wonder of the stars and the beauty of the first snowdrops peeping through. For me I accept the techniques but I can't find it conceivable that there is not a wise and wonderful creator who is at the heart of it all.

 

"The heavens declare the glory of the Lord" Psalm 19 vs 1

Taking a break for midterm, back week beginning 22 February