I received the following comment on yesterday's post: "I love this beautiful picture, but - more - that you knew exactly what it seems to say..."
I wonder if we all find "stories," at times, in paintings (The Painter's Honeymoon springs immediately to mind). To find out, I've decided to try an experiment.
I am putting no quote, no story, no scripture, with the painting on this post. I'm leaving that up to you. "What scripture or prayer could possibly go with this?!," I can imagine you thinking. Oh, I know there are a few.
It's your turn.
Any thoughts?
This post is linked to Catholic Bloggers Network Monthly Roundup
Vanity of vanities! Ecclesiastes 1
ReplyDeleteMy initial thoughts: The woman seems regal, like a queen. I thought of Britain. In the rose I seen a new fragrant bloom, like the renewal of the Faith in Britain. The thoughts give me hope.
ReplyDeleteThank you both for contributing!
ReplyDelete"Vanity of vanities" seems to fit perfectly, especially with that collar (which I assume must have been in fashion, somewhere.. sometime... )
Yes, she does seem regal, doesn't she? I am particularly struck by your mention of the renewal of the Faith. I pray it will be renewed all over, and the thought of that gives me hope as well.
I see her as having a ball and chain of her regal position and wealth and like the flower plucked will fade away as all earthly empires and vanities. She is in essence a bloom of power and status and destined, like the flower, to a brief stay as well.
ReplyDeleteO wow. I find your insights quite striking. Thank you.
DeleteThe God of the Universe sees me... which is good, because in this outfit I can't even see my own toes!
ReplyDeleteSusan
I love it, Susan - thank you :)!
DeleteDon't look with scorn, on the rose's thorn
ReplyDeleteas it guards discreet
such fragrance sweet.
Whilst the apple in turn, may be hiding a worm
which you will not meet
until you eat!
Lady Wisdom -
"I came forth from the mouth of the Most High, And covered the earth as a mist. I dwelt in high places, And my throne is in the pillar of the cloud."(Ecclesiasticus 24:3-4)
Come to (Wisdom) like one who plows and sows. Put your neck into her collar. Bind your shoulders and carry her...Come unto her with all your soul, and keep her ways with all your might...For at last you will find the rest she gives...Then her fetters will become for you a strong defense, and her collar a glorious robe. Her yoke is a golden ornament, and her bonds a purple cord. Sirach 6:19-31
I loved her and sought her from my youth, and desired to take her for my bride, and I became enamoured of her beauty. She glorifies her noble birth by living with God, and the Lord of all loves her.
For she is an initiate in the knowledge of God, and an associate in His works. Wisdom 8:2-4
Trish, how perfect and amazing! I will now look at this painting and think always (I'm quite sure) of putting my neck into the collar of Wisdom.
ReplyDeleteAgain: amazing. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this here.