The art works of S Michael and All Angels

'Trinity'
1030cms x 2000cms
Oil on board
Barbara Taylor, 2003

Barbara Taylor is a member of the S Michael’s Church community. In 2003, Barbara responded to a request from the priest, Michael Blain, to paint a painting to fit a shallow triangular space in the porch at the entrance to the church. Michael Blain’s hope was that the colours and design might enhance the theme of welcome and encouragement to enter both the building and the worshipping community.

Inspired by a 15th century Russian icon, Barbara’s painting Trinity draws together symbols that represent two of the keystones of faith – the Trinity and the Eucharist. The three figures in Andrei Rublev’s icon, 'Holy Trinity’, represent Father, Son and Holy Spirit all seated around a chalice. The three circular haloes provided inspiration for the circles that feature in the painting. Within these circles, Barbara has depicted the Father as an image of fire, the Son as pure white with a gold cross and the Holy Spirit as sky with clouds. The chalice, placed at the foot of the cross, is extended slightly upwards and outwards to resemble outstretched arms reaching towards the cross.

In the SMK weekly newsletter 04 January 2004, Michael Blain welcomed the painting. `It centres on our worship of the Holy Trinity, our receiving the blessing of Christ through the cross and the sacrament.’