John Constable, well known for his portrayal of rustic landscapes, captured the ‘double’ rainbow in this atmospheric painting - the one rainbow more pronounced and the second a faint shadow of the first. The portrayal of rainbows in art, poetry and literature has been in existence since the beginning of human life and continues to surprise and offer a symbol of hope as well as being a meteorological and natural phenomenon. As a biblical metaphor it reminds us of God’s promise to Noah after the Great Flood. Its natural arch provides a ‘bridge’ between earth and sky and in some cultures, this has resonance. The rainbow, as a symbol of hope and the promise of better times, has been used by artists, writers and different cultures as a link between earth and a divine world. The song, ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’ (first published in 1939), gave hope to many during the Second World War. The rainbow was used as a symbol of hope during the Covid Pandemic and appeared on windows and in public places as a support for the NHS.
This painting by Constable portrays the rainbow against the backdrop of stormy dark skies and landscape. Rainbows fascinated him and frequently appeared in his later works. This painting is the first time he had painted a double rainbow and is a theme he used consciously as a symbol of hope. Constable painted this particular work during a return visit to Suffolk where he was born. Constable himself wrote in 1833, “Nature, in all the varied aspects of her beauty, exhibits no feature more lovely or many that awaken a more soothing reflection than the rainbow.”
The appearance of a rainbow brings me joy and comfort, and as a symbol of hope and peace, particularly when I’m feeling overwhelmed with life. We may not always be able to see a rainbow when times are difficult but we can look for those ‘rainbow’ moments, those signs of hope in our own lives, those around us and the world at large.
Of the biblical verses that refer to hope, Isaiah writes:
“...but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
(Isaiah 40:31 NIVUK)
Let us hold on to hope with the strength that God gives us. As we enter the Advent season – a time of waiting - let us be hopeful, look for signs of hope, look for those rainbow moments. In a troubled world let us look to the author of hope, Christ himself who has brought us life.
Prayer of hope
God of resurrection,
We turn from the cross of death towards the tree of life
And dare to imagine another possible world
Where violent conflict becomes peaceful reconciliation
Where hunger and thirst are filled and quenched
Where barriers of exclusion become bridges of opportunity
Where pain and tears are healed and tenderly wiped away
Where world weary hearts are strengthened and reenergised
Where the leaves of the tree heal all the nations
In a time of inequality and division we are united by hope,
anticipating the flourishing of creation and fullness of life for everyone
To the glory and praise of your Almighty name. Amen
(From Christian Aid)
Cathryn Clarke
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