Epiphany

Artist John August Swanson (1938 - 2021)

Date1988

MediumSerigraph, 48 color printings

Dimensions38 1/2 x 12 in. (97.8 x 30.5 cm)
Framed (Frame is silver metal, wired, glazed): 46 x 19 3/4 x 1 1/4 in. (116.8 x 50.2 x 3.2 cm)

ClassificationsPrintmaking

Credit LineGift of Diane Kenney '64 and DarEll Weist

Object number2026.077

DescriptionEPIPHANY depicts the journey of the three Magi as they travel up a serpentine trail. One of the Wise Men is seated as he looks at a map of the constellations with his magnifying glass; his servant holds a lamp so that he can see. Another Magi searches with his telescope into the sky. They look up in search of their beautiful guiding star as angels surround and point to it. They have exotic birds, peacocks, and dogs among their animals. I have tried to capture the details of the many plants, bushes, and trees and to create a variety of colors of green.

I used many symbols within the tapestries draping the animals. These patterns depict the Lion of Judah, the lamp in the darkness, the rain falling on the parched ground, the key to the locked door, the crown and the heart, and the gates to the city.

This is part of a series of three images (TRIPTYCH). They were inspired by the Mexican tradition that I am familiar with for Christmas. Families will each create a beautiful crèche (nacimiento) with many figures and animals, creating a whole environment with landscaping in miniature around the Nativity figurines.

https://johnaugustswanson.com/catalog/epiphany/

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