The Life of Paul Commission

Notes on The Life of Paul Commission

The works of art that comprise The Life of Paul commission portray both the historical and the spiritual paths of the apostle's journey.

To unite these two aspects the nine works are divided into three groups of three images called triplets. Each triplet corresponds to a major phase of Paul's experience. Chronologically they are Conversion, Trials, and Triumph. Simply speaking, each image portrays the spiritual impact of a narrative episode from Paul's life. By combining visuals that are illustrative (narrative) and spiritual (symbolic) every work comments on the triplet to which it belongs as well as the series as a whole.

For instance, when Paul sheds the restrictive ribbon-like phylacteries in scene 3 it is the narrative and visual culmination of the first triplet's subject, Conversion. The ribbons reappear in the final scene of the third triplet, Triumph, when they are carried away by the Dove of the Holy Spirit, firmly emphasizing that Paul has been completely liberated by the triumph of Faith.

In conclusion, a successful commission, especially in serial form, has multiple levels. Ultimately, The Life of Paul, resonates with meanings and visual gifts that continue to grow with every consideration.