Obvious Contrast Between Poverty And Wealth example essay topic

Morris and Company Founded by William Morris (b. 1834, Walthamstow, d. 1896, London) Designed by Edward Burne Jones 1880 'The Adoration of the Magi' 1900-1902 Wool and Silk Textile, 4 m x 3 m approx. AGSA Within the tapestry, the scene tells the story of the Magi who arrive from the east, bearing gifts for the newborn Jesus Christ.

There are symbolic references throughout this piece, and also an obvious contrast between poverty and wealth portrayed between the characters in this composition. The holy family are positioned to the left of the composition within the sturdy little shelter. They appear humble and they " re dressed in basic robes coloured red and blue with worn out leather sandals, an obvious depiction of poverty. The Christ child is covered with a fine silk sheet. He lies upon his mother's lap who is seated upon bales of wheat, which signifies the harvest, reaped from sowing the Gospel. Joseph stands next to the shelter with a bundle of twigs in his right hand, which signifies the crown of thorns that was worn at the crucifixion.

The shelter, which forms the shape of a cross, is made of tree trunks and covered with either wheat or barley. The shelter is bound with vines, a symbol of Christ, the true vine and creeping red roses, which is symbolic of heavenly joy. Amongst the vines and roses sit, either, 3 Swallows which represents incarnation and resurrection or, 3 Goldfinches that symbolizes Christ's passion, either way both may be significant. The symbol of birds was a late development in Christian art. Partly, because when it was mentioned within the scriptures it was difficult, as I've just shown, to positively identify any species. Therefore there were many different interpretations.

To the right of the Virgin Mary are white lilies, which are known as 'Madonna Lillie's'. These symbolises purity, which characterizes the Virgin Mary. Behind the shelter is a pond full of crystal clear water, which symbolises baptism. The Angel is suspended in air by its soft-feathered wings and placed in the centre of the composition.

The Angel is dressed in a beautiful gold and pale green robe, with an embroidered pattern and decorated with jewels. The Angel holds a ball of pure white light, which possibly symbolizes the presence of GOD. Under the Angel's feet lies a gold crown decorated with jewels, this symbolises temporal rule subservient to spiritual rule. The Magi who are standing to the right of the Angel are bearing gifts. They " re all dressed elaborately in lavishly coloured robes, which are embroidered with gold and lined with jewels. In the background, the forest is studded with a thick band of trees.

Trees also have symbolic references; I can't tell the species, I won't even begin to try and define them. There is a carpet of dark grass covered with the white lilies in the foreground; this may suggest the splendour of the Garden of Eden. I found it quite interesting how there was a significant contrast of wealth and poverty. It amazes me how to this day, religious groups still believe that we as a society have a better chance of going to heaven if we live in poverty and subject ourselves to martyrdom, and wealth is a sure ticket to hell as it destroys us.

Somehow contradictory to part of this composition, where the wealthy seem to be bearers of gifts, or are they paying for a position in heaven?

Bibliography

AGSA Plaque beneath tapestry, The Adoration of the Magi Christian Symbolism [Online] Available: [Accessed 18 June 2002].
Symbols in Christian Art and Architecture [Online] Available: [Accessed 18 June 2002].
The Adoration of the Magi [Online] Available: [Accessed 18 June 2002].