(I am the way and the life)

(I am the way and the life)

The style of this woodcut is frieze-like with images lined up across the horizontal format. The work is printed in black against a muted ivory background, accented by areas of yellow behind each of the five images. Four stylized, winged figures draped in robes flank a central figure, two on each side, heads in profile facing inward. From left to right, each has a different head: human, ox, eagle, and lion. Each figure is has a dominated oversize eye in the center of their head; the bodies are thin and elongated. Each figure also holds in their hands a book or tablet. The books of the figure on the left feature an ankh and a Chi Rho symbol, respectively. The eagle’s book reads “I am the way and the life,” and the lion’s book features an anchor. The figure at center faces forward, emerging from a vertically oriented almond shape (a mandorla). His face is highly stylized with similar oversized eyes staring out at the viewer; a halo like form encircles his head. The torso is draped in robes giving no definition to the body underneath. He holds up a cross-tipped scepter in his right hand. His left hand is open and extended out to his left. “IC” appears on the right side of the mandorla and “XC” above the figure’s right shoulder.

This digital image may not be reproduced for any reason without the express written consent of St. Catherine University. Artwork available for faculty/staff use. Please contact the Catherine G. Murphy Art Gallery Director, Kathy Daniels, at (651) 690-6637.

Woodcut

12 x 18 3/8 inches

Print

2013.0.486