Gospel in Art: There was a prophetess, Anna

Simeon and Anna praise the infant Jesus, Arent de Gelder. © Mauritshuis, The Hague, Netherlands

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 30 December 2023
Luke 2:36-40

There was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. She came by just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.

When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God's favour was with him.

Reflection on the painting

Today's Gospel reading of Luke says that 'in meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and He was filled with wisdom'… This sentence summarises 90% of the life of Jesus! Jesus spent thirty, of his thirty three years on earth, living an ordinary life in Nazareth. He was doing things probably most young men of his age were doing: working, playing, socialising, praying etc… These 'hidden years' were crucial for Jesus' ministry, as it is in those years that his mission matured and that he prepared for the day he would really start actively spreading the Word of God. Those thirty years Jesus spent with his parents in Nazareth, reveal to us the value of our ordinary day-to-day lives.

But it is Anna, the prophet, who has the final word in the nativity story which Luke shared with us. She highlights the importance of the birth of Jesus Christ, who would change the world forever. She was a woman of deep faith and prayer. Luke mentions her, as also he shared this same burning desire to tell others about the life-transforming story of Salvation offered through Christ.

Our painting by Arent de Gelder, shows a very tender image of Simeon holding baby Jesus. With their tender physical embrace, they embrace Salvation itself - embrace, embracing Salvation…

Arent de Gelder is reputed to be the last pupil of Rembrandt (1606-1669), which is clearly visible in his impasto style with thick layers of paint complemented with daubs and scratches. Just like Rembrandt he was a Calvinist. Even more than his master he limited himself almost totally to biblical subjects. They are works full of devotion, at once restrained and expressive, and we can feel the spiritual depth in this painting. Saint Joseph is faintly painted in the background. He was indeed always present, but always in the background. His holiness was in his self-effacing humility. The four figures are portrayed in an intimate moment of prayer and praise. Simeon looks upwards to heaven, so does the infant Jesus. Mary and Joseph have their eyes closed, inwardly focusing on God. It is a holy gathering. Arent de Gelder, moreover, makes clear that also God is in their midst by means of the broad shaft of light that descends on them from the upper left.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-2-36-40-2023/