We Are Special edition
A Glorious Gallery the art of ebenezer lutheran church
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Tony Bates
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ithout exception, all great works of art must be inspired. With the understanding that a great deal of that inspiration is found in the form of divine guidance, it only stands to reason that many of the world’s masterpieces hold some type of religious or spiritual meaning and having such can be found in churches, cathedrals or other religious surroundings. Generally, when we think of such art, we envision the old world settings of some of the great cities of Europe. Few of us however, myself included, ever realized that there are magnificent and important works of religious art right here in Greensboro. Ebenezer Lutheran Church is one such place and it is here where we find what is perhaps the most significant and noteworthy permanent collection of religious art in the entire region.
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Glorious Gallery
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stablished in the fall of 1907, Ebenezer has undergone significant changes throughout the years. While never straying from their core principles, they have managed to adapt to an ever growing, ever changing community and cultural environment. Over time, Ebenezer has expanded from the beautiful yet humble chapel built in 1929 to today’s much larger, more modern church completed 1998. With a very active, involved and diverse congregation, there is always something of interest going on at, or involving the congregation of, Ebenezer.
and protector of the Protestant Reformation). As Mr. Smith explained, this oil on panel is in its original wood frame and was painted in the studio of Lucas Cranach The Elder, himself a well-known Protestant Reformationist who it turns out was a very close friend of Martin Luther, standing best man at his wedding and godfather to his first born son. A nearly identical piece, also from the studio of Lucas Cranach The Elder, hangs inside room 20 (Dürer and German Paintings) in the wellknown Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
Yet it remains that even with all of their good deeds, the architectural beauty and the lively activity taking place here, it was the unexpected addition of their absolutely stunning artwork which took me most by surprise. Much of it gifted by church member, Ebenezer benefactor and Greensboro resident Norman B. Smith, the collection of art found at Ebenezer has been carefully selected not simply for its aesthetic beauty, but also as a representation of the church’s Lutheran beliefs and doctrines as explained in the Holy Scriptures. Encompassing originals and exquisitly painted reproductions, the collection includes many works that are hundreds of years old, some of which have undergone painstaking, professional restoration, returning them to their original splendor. Even the frames, most of which have been carefully restored or handcrafted to enhance the paintings, are themselves works of art.
The main sanctuary at Ebenezer holds several important works, two of which are paintings hung on either side of the altar, both being exquisite reproductions of works by Italian Renaissance master Giovanni Bellini and painted by Paul DeLorenzo (sadly, Paul passed away just two short weeks after completing the pair). One painting (hanging to the right facing the alter) is the “Transfiguration of Christ”, a beautiful and moving depiction of the miracle and Synoptic Gospel narrative in which Jesus travels to the top of Mount Tabor with Peter, James and John; where Moses and the Prophet Elijah appear to him while God speaks to him, calling him “son”.
Having been offered a private tour by Mr. Smith to view the collection, I was immediately taken aback by the casual ease with which he not only recalled the details of each piece, but its relevance to scripture and historical bearing as well. For instance, the first piece we encountered was an original portrait of John the Steadfast, Elector of Saxony (staunch supporter
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On the opposite wall (left side of the altar) is another masterwork of Bellini’s, the “Baptism of Christ”, illustrating the biblical story of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1317). It’s interesting to note that each of these paintings holds several less than obvious religious references. For instance, each has four hidden crosses. With the originals of these works hanging in Italy, it is only through high quality, hand painted reproductions such as these that we can experience some semblance of this truly inspirational form of biblical art.
As captivating as Bellini’s works are, the pièce de résistance (at least in my humble opinion) resides within the original chapel. From the hand carved and expertly restored entrance door to the high, beamed ceilings and delicate yet time-tested stained glass, this small tranquil setting is charming to say the least and in itself an inspirational work of art. The original main sanctuary, this space is now used primarily for reflection and meditation as well as the pastor’s bible classes, while proving to be the perfect place to display some of the churches most awe inspiring pieces. Here, with the light gracefully falling through the stained glass, we find one of the area’s only fully restored, complete sets of the famous “Stations of the Cross” paintings, a group of fourteen works depicting Christ carrying the cross to his crucifixion. These particular oils on canvas were completed by Irish artist Joseph Malachy Kavanagh during the 1890’s and made even rarer by the fact that most of this renowned painter’s works were lost when Dublin’s Hibernian Academy (where many of Kavanagh’s paintings were stored) was destroyed by a fire at the onset of the Irish Revolution on Easter morning, 1916. Not only are these museum quality pieces remarkable finds for any church (and museum or gallery for that matter); they also have a strong local connection. Norman Smith found the set in its original, “less than pristine” condition through Mike Joyce at Lions Crown Antiques (a local antique dealer located in the South End section of Greensboro). Wishing only the best in restoration, he sought the expertise of Ambleside Gallery owner Jackson Mayshark to facilitate that process. Mr. Mayshark spent the next four months meticulously restoring
the “stations” to their original beauty. Once the process was complete, he paired each painting with a gold frame, the simplicity of which still serves to enhance the beauty of each image itself. The result of this local group effort is a breathtaking display that rivals the offerings of any major gallery. Also in this small chapel, on the back wall of the altar, is a visually stunning representation of another well know work, “The Adoration of the Magi” by Peter Paul Rubens (think Rubenesque). Painted by a follower of Rubens in 1638, this painting depicts the nativity as described in Mathew 2:11. With such a wealth of direct biblical references intermingled with so much subjective meaning (i.e. were the Magi meant to be representatives from the three parts of the known world?), it’s easy to see why this was one of Rubens most well received works. Images: Opposite: Small chapel facing the altar Center: Portrait of John the Steadfast - Elector of Saxony c.1532 Top left: Bibbia di Borso d’Este c.1461
Top right: Ebenezer’s art is not limited to interior pieces as evidenced by this beautiful and inspirational Columbarium Cross in the courtyard
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ith all of the framed beauty on the walls, it’s important to remember that not all of the works of art gracing Ebenezer are paintings. Aside from the beautiful chapel door and stained glass windows, on the back wall of the main sanctuary, directly above the main entrance, hangs a large cross. What makes this particular piece so special is that it was handcrafted using pieces of wood supplied by members of the congregation, each with a personal meaning to the person who donated it. For example, one of the pieces came from an old Lutheran church that is no longer standing, yet through this cross remains, at least in part, still with us. Similar stories abound within this piece, each story as personal as the next. Two more exceptional pieces stand out at Ebenezer both of which are bibles, yet far from the copies any of us are likely to carry around. One is a handcrafted exact replica of the Gutenberg Bible. The first book ever printed, it is considered a masterpiece of both literature and art. With only 22 originals known to still exist, even detailed replicas like this one are rare finds. The other bible is the “Bibbia di Borso d’Este” (Bible of Borso d’Este). While not
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quite as well known as the Gutenberg it is no less stunning and in terms of the artwork inside, actually more so. Considered an “illuminated manuscript”, every page of the Bibbia di Borso d’Este is embellished with beautiful miniature paintings (many of which are in color) depicting the bible verses on that particular page. This version’s artwork was created by Italian master Taddeo Crivelli. Considered his most prestigious creation, he worked tirelessly on this volume from 1455 until its completion in 1461. It’s true that all artwork must be inspired by something, but then truly great artwork is that which actually inspires us. What better setting in which to be inspired than a house of worship, and what better inspirational aid than that which visualizes the lessons to be learned there? With all of the religious and spiritual references to artwork in a church the most amazing, most stirring and most wonderful fact about the artwork in the Ebenezer Lutheran Church is that it can also touch, be appreciated by and inspiring to, even the most secular among us. Beauty like that is quite simply glorious.
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Images:
from opposite page top:
1 - Gutenberg Bible - Closed 2 - Gutenberg Bible - Open 3 - Hand carved chapel door 4 - Gutenberg Bible under stained glass & Stations of the Cross 5 - “Baptism of Christ” 6 -“Transfiguration of Christ” 7- “Adoration of the Magi” 8 - Handmade Cross - Rear wall of the main santuary 9 - Chapel wall with “Stations of the Cross”
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Special thanks to: Mr. Norman B. Smith Mr. Jackson Mayshark - Ambleside Gallery - 528 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27406 (336) 275-9844 Mr. Mike Joyce - Lions Crown Antuques - 104 Barnhardt St, Greensboro, NC 27406 (336) 275-5765 07
"IN DREAMS" by SARAH WATTS
Ambleside Gallery
Original Paintings • Sculpture • Custom Framing • Restoration
528 South Elm St. Greensboro, NC 27406 336.275.9844 www.amblesidearts.com