Norman Adams (1927- 2005)
Watercolour on paper
83 x 97 cm
1991
Methodist Modern Art Collection
No. ADA/1992
Image Copyright © Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes. The Methodist Church Registered Charity no. 1132208
Biblical context
John 12: 12–15
Jesus is at the centre riding a donkey, with a foal or colt, along a sunlit road lined with sunflowers. There is no obvious depiction of Jerusalem, no garments or palm-tree branches cast before Jesus, but there is a joyous crowd with bunting and decorations. Various flags are flown, some on their side or upside down. The figure to the right, at a window, may be Zacchaeus, who climbed a tree to see Jesus. Luke records this as happening at Jericho, but it is often included in the Entry into Jerusalem. The rich luminous colours recall medieval stained glass. When commissioned to undertake this work for the Collection in 1990, Norman Adams replied ‘I would like to do this very much ... It is a wonderful subject’.
Commentary based on A Guide to the Methodist Art Collection.