Among the projected images/icons I came across this somewhat haunting image of Mary. On a large screening those eyes draw you.(is it just me?)
Oil and gold leaf on zinc panel. Museum of Russian Art, Kiev. (follow the link Vrubel)
Apparently her face, in Vrubel's eyes, was an epitome of the ideal, spiritual beauty; not only are her eyes large and almond-shaped, like the eyes of the Virgin on many icons, but they show a similar anxiety and sadness. The brows are regular, the nose straight but wider than the traditional thin and long noses on icons, and the slightly puckered lips seem to be a prelude to tears of a mother who will eventually give up her son for the sins of the world. Even though strict Orthodoxy would reject this image for its "earthly" character, from the aesthetic point of view Vrubel's icon is a powerful and haunting image. [S.H.]
Anyway, I also have a funeral of the husband of a christian couple of some 63 years marriage. I sat with them yesterday and called again today. I listened to their stoies of days gone bye as well as recent days and what yesterday was and felt like. Waiting has been a hard task in life the past 2 weeks and I don't like how it all is, yet... today setting up and then this visit and waiting alongside them in their grief ( and even some laughter), pointed me to consider again this image we will use. It points me to the earthy-ness of life for Mary and yet God... it points me to the earthy-ness of mourning, and yet God...
Hear the Lord say 'Faith'
Hear the Lord say 'Hope'
Hear the Lord say 'Love'
and hear the Lord say this - to you. Amen
