A skull appears at the foot of a small cross, left of the cemetery, creating a visual association between the hallowed burial ground and Golgotha, the “place of the skull,” where Jesus died. An image of an American military cemetery at the bottom of the lancet implies that men and women in each branch gave their lives so others might live in freedom. A verse from Matthew’s gospel, inscribed across the bottom of the three lancets, makes the connection between the spiritual and mundane: “He that loses his life for my sake shall find it.” The presence of the crucifixion scene also brings to mind an oft-cited verse in John’s gospel: “Greater love has no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Photo 2, Sacrifice for Freedom Windowīeneath the cross, four figures including a female nurse represent the branches of America’s armed forces (photo 3). An image of the crucified Christ dominates the upper half of the central lancet. The Sacrifice for Freedom Window (photo 2) unites in three lancets stories of legendary saints and courageous Americans. Photo 1, Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC
The people in these stories are well worth honoring on Independence Day and remembering throughout the year. The Sacrifice for Freedom window, installed in the cathedral’s War Memorial Chapel in 1952, richly illustrates with vibrant colors, creative iconography, and essential details four stories of personal sacrifice made in the name of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
#SAINT MICHAEL ICONOGRAPHY WINDOWS#
I’m returning to Mandorlas in Our Midst with an article about one of my favorite stained glass windows at the Washington National Cathedral (photo 1). I’m taking advantage of July Fourth-the national holiday that unites Americans in celebrating the self-evident truths pronounced in the Declaration of Independence-to resume posts to this blog.
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