Rohn Custom Studio recently completed and installed an apsidal mural for the Deacon House Chapel at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, MA. Under the guidance of the rector, Reverend Monsignor Moroney, Artists Renate Rohn and Victoria Christina worked together in Rohn’s Pittsburgh art studio to realize his challenging theological vision around the chapel's central altar, stained glass panel, and hanging crucifix.
The painting intricately depicts six significant Catholic figures set amidst a vibrant paradise of verdant grass, colorful flowers, and towering trees, evoking the rich mosaic artistry of the Basilica of Sant’Apollinaire in Classe—a UNESCO World Heritage site near Ravenna, Italy. This lush backdrop serves as a symbolic setting, enhancing the spiritual narrative conveyed by the artwork.
Positioned prominently above the chapel's art glass and crucifix, an image of the Glorification of the Lamb illuminates the painting with beams of celestial light, infusing the scene with a sense of hope and heavenly grace.
To the right of the mural, the Blessed Virgin Mary stands in serene devotion. Her regal blue robe is adorned with intricate gold accents reminiscent of Giotto’s renowned fresco, the Lamentation of the Death of Christ, found in the Scrovegni Chapel (Arena Chapel) in Padua, Italy. Flanked by two deacons dressed in striking red Boston diaconal dalmatics, Mary's posture and attire exude reverence and solemnity.
Nearby, St. Stephen the Protomartyr holds an ornately decorated book, his figure surrounded by symbolic stones representing his sacrifice. Adjacent to him, St. Philip cradles a baptismal shell from which water gracefully flows to the floor. This symbolizes the sacramental life of the Church and the grace bestowed upon believers through baptism.
On the left side of the mural, St. John the Evangelist is draped in a red Boston priest chasuble and holding the seminary's cherished Book of Gospels. He stands prominently amidst two deacons similarly attired in red diaconal dalmatics. His stance and the sacred book in his hands emphasizes his role as a beloved disciple and evangelist within Christian tradition.
Further to the left, St. Lawrence grips a grille, a poignant icon traditionally associated with his martyrdom. This representation underscores his steadfast faith and enduring courage in the face of persecution.
Lastly, St. Francis gazes tenderly at Baby Jesus nestled in his arms, a poignant expression of his profound devotion to Christ and his commitment to emulate Christ's humility and love. This portrayal captures St. Francis's spiritual closeness to Christ and his mission to live out the Gospel message through acts of compassion and simplicity.
After completing the sacred piece, Renate and Victoria transported the painting to New England and meticulously prepared the wall behind the altar to ensure seamless adherence of the canvas. Precise measurements beforehand allowed the painting to fit perfectly around the chapel's stained glass window, with the Lamb positioned directly above and the figures proportioned realistically and meaningfully on either side of the altar.
Together, these detailed images within the mural not only enrich the aesthetic and spiritual ambiance of the Deacon House Chapel but also invite contemplation and reflection on the lives and virtues of these revered Catholic figures.
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