Lyonel Feininger
Originally titled The Square in the 1944 Leicester catalogue, retitled at the suggestion of the artist's wife Julia Feininger in a letter dated May 28 1957
1916, oil on canvas, 73.5 x 90cm, Leicester Museum and art Gallery
But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.
2 Corinthians 4:7
In Feininger’s splendid example of German Expressionism he depicts a scene that will have been well known to him, the town square in Weimar, in Thuringia, Germany. At first glance we may perceive a rather drab image of browns and greys, but upon study the picture is more intricate than we think and contains many hidden and intricate layers. The straight, regimented, triangles and squares are lit by multiple light sources, and the expert shading adds a certain depth to the overall feel of the piece. One can tell the subject was dear to Feininger’s heart by the care taken in every stroke. Standing in front of the painting in the gallery one cannot help but feel a loving and profound dimension to the work. Things are not always as they seem, treasure is often lurking behind the most unlikely exterior.
We must attempt to heed this lesson throughout our lives. It is not the outward appearance that counts, but what lies within. So much in the modern world is judged on veneer and gloss, but, as Congregationalists, this is not our way. We should not judge people by their outward appearance and external identifiers, but rather search out what lies within; the opinions, the values, the humour, and the warmth. This is where the true soul resides.
Dear Father of all,
We thank You for the art and beauty that helps us to see. We ask You to open our eyes to seek what lies within. Beauty hides in the most unlikely places. Let us search for the gifts in all, and in finding them, pool them to create a community of strength and love. In Christ’s name we pray,
Amen.
Gwyn Davies