Wisdom Window

Location: Trinity Cathedral, south nave aisle, west window
The Wilbur H. Burnham Studios

In this window, Jesus is depicted as a youth standing among the Temple scholars. His appearance is similar to his portrayal in the “Work Window.” This scene is based on the Gospel of Luke: "And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it ... And it came to pass that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors [teachers], both hearing them and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers (Luke 2:42-48).”

Burnham has positioned Jesus off center, in the midst of five teachers or doctors. Two are standing directly behind Jesus, framing his figure. One has his left hand upraised and shows a look of wonderment, the other gazes down at the twelve-year old. Jesus' right hand is raised with the index finger extended and his gaze focused beyond this scene.

Burnham has foreshortened the bodies of the two seated figures in the foreground but not their heads. All the men are looking at Jesus. The head of the figure on the left is a 3/4 view, and serves to carry the eye of the viewer up to the face above, which is in profile. This figure is then juxtaposed with the figure in profile in the right foreground. The man's bent left arm continues as a diagonal up through the second figure on the left. In turn, this figure's pressed together hands almost parallel Jesus' right arm. These strong diagonals help tie the composition together.

The colors in this window are richer and more vibrant than those in the Work Window, and the figures are grouped more closely together. This effect is enhanced by the circular composition, full of curves and strong diagonals. The outer robe of the seated figure in the left foreground flows out of the scene to the left, and then flows back into the scene to be repeated and reversed by the robe of the figure on the right. The robe of this figure, because of the off-white color, brings the eye of the viewer upwards to the figure of Jesus, whose garment is similarly colored. This flow of form and color draw attention to the form of Jesus as he interacts with the learned men.

The bright, clear reds show well with the complementary mustard yellows and the intense blues. The "royal" blue used in the garment of the seated figure on the left is repeated in the head covering of the right-hand figure. Vibrancy is added to the scene by the red color of this figure's robe. Burnham's love of pure color is also manifest in the emerald green used for the head covering of the front left doctor.

Burnham has given the three seated figures different kinds of head coverings. The red color used for the figure on the left in the middle of the scene is repeated in the central figure's robe and also in Joseph's halo. This draws attention to Jesus' parents, positioned at the top of the scene and depicted as having just arrived at the Temple. They are portrayed as smaller figures, in muted colors, except for the brilliance of their haloes. Again using architectural detailing, Burnham denotes interior and exterior space and has placed Mary and Joseph outside the action as onlookers.

Mary is shown in her traditional blue robe. Her hands are upheld in supplication as she gazes down at her son. It is interesting that Joseph, the carpenter, is carrying a shepherd's crook, which points directly to the word Christ, perhaps to let the viewer know that, as Christ, Jesus will come to be known as the Good Shepherd.

At the apex of the lancet is a crescent moon. The crescent moon usually symbolizes the chastity of the Virgin Mary and is often shown under her feet. In addition, the sun and moon are shown in scenes of the Crucifixion to indicate the sorrow of all Creation at the death of Jesus.

In the ventilator at the bottom of the window is the lamp. The lamp, because of the light it sheds, is used as a symbol of wisdom and piety. Broadly speaking, the lamp is a localization of light, which symbolizes life, and thus is also an attribute of the Divine Presence (see Revelation 21:23, John 5:35).

Zoom to: top / upper subject / lower subject / ventilator
Go to: next window / main index

The Center for Sacred Landmarks Monograph Series