Thursday, January 26, 2023

CREATION OF MAN

Years ago we visited The Washington National Cathedral.  I shared a lot of the cathedral photos but I somehow missed this one, as I have just found it in one of my draft folders.  It is over one of the entrances and is called Ex Nihilo ("Out of Nothing") It depicts the creation of man.  

It was completed in 1982 - more information here - and the sculptor is Frederick Hart.  Hart’s depiction of the birth of mankind is considered one of the most important commissions of religious sculpture in the 20th century. The tympanum above the central door features half-formed figures of men and women emerging from the void. Beneath stands the figure of Adam, his eyes not yet open and his body not fully freed from the surrounding stone. The north tympanum depicts the Creation of Day, and the south tympanum depicts the Creation of Night.

Frederick Hart also created the The Three Soldiers which is a very famous sculpture and one I know very well, near the The Wall in Washington DC, both of which I have visited many times over the years I have lived here.  If you go here you can see other memorials in that area.  As I feel about all memorials, I find these very moving.

If you go to this link and click on the location icons it will take you to other photos around the Cathedral.  

If you click on the label below entitled The Washington National Cathedral_Washington DC., it will take you to other posts published.

Thank you for visiting and 
have a great day!






34 comments:

  1. What a fascinating sculpture. Thank you for bringing it to our attention.

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  2. The sculptures are carvings are so vivid and sacred looking

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  3. The interior of the cathedral is just as wonderful. I have also been to the wall (a classmate of mine is on the etchings). My favorite memorial is of Iwo jima!!!!

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    1. So happy you took a trip there Anni :). The Iwo Jima Memorial is incredible!

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  4. the three soldiers I really like and the cathedral is beautiful. this one Out of Nothing, does not speak creation to me, but looks a little creepy. He is truly a talented gifted artist but this one is not for me. this beholders eyes do not get this one. i looked throught the links and those windows are amazing

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    1. Understand Sandra, we all see things in different ways. I agree about the cathedral windows :)

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  5. Hello,
    It is an amazing sculpture, a lovely piece art. Take care, have a great day!

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  6. What a swirling mix to show the origin of man. We are still swirling in confusion.

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  7. I have never seen this, it is amazing! Glad you found and posted it!

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    1. You are so very welcome Ginny, glad you enjoyed it :)

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  8. A beautiful sculpture and so meaningful.

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  9. I've always wanted to visit the National Cathedral (and DC, for that matter). This is very impressive.

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    1. Each city’s cathedral has its own unique quality and magnificence, but this one I have always loved. I look forward to the day you get to see it for yourself Jeanie :)

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  10. Many thanks for sharing this incredible sculpture.

    All the best Jan

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    1. You are very welcome Jan, I am happy you enjoyed it :) All the best to you too!

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  11. We generally do not tour a lot of churches but we went to basilica in Montreal last summer and were in awe of everything we saw.

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    1. Hi Jim and Barb, the Montreal basilica must have been amazing :)

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  12. I visited the cathedral once in 2011 when Greg had a conference to attend and I tagged along. It was a great experience. I'm sure I missed this sculpture. Thanks for sharing it.

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    1. You are very welcome Ellen and I am so glad you got to experience the cathedral :)

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