Tradition informs us that the repentant thief was named Dismas (which means "sunset" or "death") and was born in 18 B.C. In keeping with traditional iconography, St. Dismas is shown in paradise: the gold background represents heaven and he is surrounded by the efflorescence of paradise. He is holding the cross, now a symbol of redemption.
For some time this will be my last addition to the "City of God" series. I will continue to add to this series (as well as the other groups: St Hildegard of Bingen's illuminations, medieval effigies, and "Into Great Silence"), but I am now starting on an entirely new series (I will write more about that in my next post).
St. Dismas
oil on carved wood, 2023
9" x 28"
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