Peace and Pandemonium

I got the chance to see this amazing John William Waterhouse painting at the Victorian Art Exhibit at the BYU Museum of Art this weekend. I went twice because the first time wasn't enough. It is titled "Mariamne Leaving the Judgment Seat of Herod" (1887). It is absolutely gorgeous. Waterhouse is my favorite painter. I love his style and the beautiful way that he paints woman. He is unmatched my most other artists in my opinion.





This painting called "Death Crowning Innocence" by George Fredric Watts was another image that stirred my soul. This painting resonates peace within me. It portrays the death of a child and the warmth and love that envelopes him as he is taken. Instead of a scary grim reaper or some other frightening image we conjure up when we think of death, this innocent baby is gently taken away by a loving woman. Perhaps a mother as well. She is protective, caring and tender as she crowns this innocent child with his golden halo. I love it. The colors, the texture of the paint, and the calmness it evokes in me all bring me joy and comfort at this time.