Intricate mosaic for the digital age that honours St Jerome to go on display in South Yorkshire church
A major artwork which was created in 2020 to mark the astonishing achievement of St Jerome’s translation of the Bible will be at St Michael’s Church in Wombwell, Barnsley, between July and September
Jerome (c.AD 347–420) translated the Bible from the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek into Latin, the first scholar to do so systematically. His ‘Vulgate’ translation became the standard biblical text of the Roman Catholic Church and is still used today.
Now a mosaic commissioned by Bible Society and the Catholic Church in England and Wales is celebrating his achievement. Created by Portsmouth-based artist Pete Codling,
‘Little Bits of God’ tells the story of the Bible using the smalti mosaic technique developed in ancient Byzantium.
Jerome himself is depicted in the mosaic with the traditional symbols associated with him of a lion, a book and a skull. But, says Codling: ‘In this contemporary mosaic the book pages on his desk blend into a computer keyboard and his stylised quill pen, or stylus, remind the viewer that Bible reading, learning and studying also now take place online via the internet. The Bible speaks now through the digital as well as the printed text.’
Another modern reference that picks up the theme of mortality and suffering is the depiction of three-year-old Syrian refugee boy Alan Kurdi, drowned in 2015 as his family attempted to leave Turkey.
Biblical figures including Jesus, Mary and St Matthew are also represented.
Codling says: ‘The idea behind this artwork has challenged me technically as well as artistically. My research for this artwork took me to Ravenna and Venice in search of materials, technique and craftmanship. I wanted to portray the Bible visually, and convey the journey of translation from the oral tradition to the digital age in one coherent artwork.’
The mosaic stands on a pedestal which is an integral part of the work. It is over two metres tall and is formed of ten panels created from thousands of pieces of coloured glass. If you would like to find out more and arrange a visit then email Mosaic.wombwell@gmail.com
It will be open to the public from Monday 10th July until 29th September at the following times Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings 10:30 till 12:30 and Wednesday and Friday evenings 18:00 till 20:00.
Group bookings outside these times can be arranged via mosaic.wombwell@gmail.com or calling the office number 01226 752372.
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