The Beatitudes

The Eight Beatitudes

Biblical Illuminated Calligraphy Print

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This vibrant artwork, inspired by traditional medieval manuscripts, showcases each of Christ's eight "Beatitudes" (blessings) with an image from nature that illustrates those who are blessed. 

The first Beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit...", is accompanied by an image of a Dead Sea sparrow. This bird would have been familiar to His original audience, and describes what He meant by poor in spirit - blessed are those who, like the sparrow, rely on God's providence.

The mourners of the second Beatitude are signified by a weeping willow tree; the third's meek are a lamb. Those who thirst for righteousness - a deer drinking from a stream. I've always been struck by the Psalmist's words: "As the deer longs for running water, so I long for you, my God."

On the right hand side of the piece, a pelican depicts the merciful. The pelican of medieval myth (though not in actuality) was believed to pierce its own breast and feed its blood to its young - which was in turn used as an image for Christ's mercy. I used a white lily to represent the pure of heart - a classic image of purity, especially for virgin saints - and a dove holding an olive branch for the peacemakers, another traditional image.

Finally, a phoenix rising from the ashes stands for those persecuted for the sake of righteousness. I feel that the mythical bird, dying in fire only to rise again in new life, perfectly illustrates Tertullian's line, "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church".

Printed on 100% cotton velvet fine art paper. Currently available as an 11x14" print; larger sizes available by special request. Frame not included.