Wednesday 20 October 2010

The Fear of God

With choir on Sunday evening to a distant village to sing a concert. Village deserted, rain lashing down, bar closed, more choristers than public. Usual story. The evening brightened up considerably however when I saw this painting dominating the east end, behind the altar. I presume it's St. Bartholomew. You can say what you like about the Church of Rome, but they do good death.
They also would appear to have a pretty decent sense of humour too. Having been flayed to death, he was made the patron saint of tanners.

6 comments:

Jon Dudley said...

Excellent stuff Ron...a great death as you say. Singing to an audience of one man and a dog I know about - you have my sympathy.

Affer said...

The key duty of the Roman Catholic Church would seem to be to provide a haven for artists with a homoerotic sado-masochistic tendency. Snuff movies of their day....

Thud said...

It's good to be Catholic!

Chris Partridge said...

It's not just Catholics - take a look at Fox's Book of Martyrs for Protestant sado-masochism plus righteous fury.

Jon Dudley said...

Lewes, 5th November, ChrisP...need I say more?

Diplomate said...

It so refreshing to see the children in the background enjoying the fun. The catholic aproach to education and child-care has managed so successfully to hang on to its roots and eschew conventional wisdom in a very up-lifting, singleminded fashion. MORE STANDARDS !