Romance of Europe — Ponte de la Christi
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Of all the bridges in Venice, this one intrigued me the most. But it needed a cafe, a table for two and the prospect of a few moments solace. These I have attempted to create. If you look closely, just left of center and above the bridge, you will see a sign attached to the wall of a building. The sign which I photgraphed in Venice, Italy reads: 'Calle dei Morte' or 'Street of Death'. I thought it depicted well the spiritual lostness of the world without Christ. So I decided to place it in this painting as a visual reminder of why other chosen elements in the painting have such significance for the world in which we live. The bridge, which is central to the painting, symbolizes what Jesus Christ has done by coming into the world to bridge the gap between the sinner (who is spiritually lost without Christ) and God. On the wall to the left of the bridge, atop the shuttered windows, the words 'Ponte de la Christi' ('The Bridge of Christ') are etched into the stone. Above and central, as if transcending all else, stands the cathedral. So often in Europe these have become museum pieces, no longer used for the worship of God. But in this painting the cathedral is a reminder to us that God is central to and essential in our lives. The presence of the steeples as well as the chapel by the bridge are meant to convey the ever-present nature of our faith in daily life. Mystery and romance both feature hear. There are trails to take through the opening of a building, down the canal by boat or by foot along the paths which lead to places unkown. The table is set for you and that other special person. The fire-place is aglow with warmth. And you are offered entrance. There are birds and flowers but no people in this scene. That's because I want it to be your's alone. Perhaps you nostalgically feel as if you have visited this street on a past visit to Europe or that you would like to do so in the future. In the meantime, the invitation is issued for you to step-in and enter its warmth as a participant, not merely as an observer. I hope you will. |
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