Home

michael_edmonds_crucifixion

Michael Edmonds (1926-2014)

Watercolour on paper

19.5 cm x 16.5 cm

1988

Methodist Modern Art Collection
EDM/2015

Commentary

When Michael Edmonds died, his family offered this small watercolour to the Methodist Modern Art Collection in recognition of his close connection with the Collection over the years (see also his ‘Cross over the city’, a large mosaic work in the Collection).

After working as an architect, Edmonds wanted to devote his retirement to painting full-time, largely in watercolours. The translucent jewel-like colours of ‘Crucifixion’ are arguably the most striking feature of this piece. The potent orange sun against the dark hues of the sky evokes the mysterious midday solar phenomenon described by the gospel writers. In Matthew 27:51 we read that the earth shook and the rock were split. Look at the black marks on the bottom border hinting at pieces of coal.

These fiery tones, and the shapes of the disc and crucifix, are reminiscent of one of Edmonds’ earlier works, an oil painting called ‘Bessemer’ (1955) which depict the smelting process inside a blast furnace. Edmonds was a ‘Bevin Boy’ in the South Wales coalfields during his Second World War service and developed an enduring interest in geology, the local industry and the well-being of miners.

Privacy information

This site uses cookies and other web storage technologies. You can set your privacy choices below. Changes will take effect immediately.

For more information on our use of web storage, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Strictly necessary storage

ON
OFF

Necessary storage enables core site functionality. This site cannot function without it, so it can only be disabled by changing settings in your browser.

Analytics cookie

ON
OFF

When you visit our website we use Google Analytics to collect information on your journey through the website. This information is anonymous and we do not use it to identify you. Google provides a Google Analytics opt-out add on for all popular browsers.

Marketing cookie

ON
OFF

When you visit our website we use a Facebook Pixel to collect information on your journey through the website. This information is anonymous and we do not use it to identify you.

Your privacy choices for this site

This site uses cookies and other web storage technologies to enhance your experience beyond necessary core functionality.