Calvary, Five Stalks of Leaves, and Ship 1915

Editor: This is Eric Gill’s "Calvary, Five Stalks of Leaves, and Ship," part of the Tate collection. The stark black and white imagery gives it such a monumental feel, even in this small size. How do you interpret the symbolism at play here? Curator: Notice how Gill uses the triangular shape itself, mirroring the Trinity. Each symbol - Calvary, the leaves, and the ship - represents a different facet of spiritual journey: sacrifice, growth, and voyage. What feelings are evoked when you examine the 'PROCRESS' inscription on the ship's sail? Editor: It gives me a sense of movement, progress, but also destiny. Like the ship of life. Curator: Precisely. The symbols aren't merely decorative; they're deeply interwoven with Christian iconography and human experience. Together, they form a powerful narrative. Editor: I see that now. I had no idea such a small work could contain so much! Curator: Indeed. Gill's work is a testament to the power of visual shorthand, revealing cultural memory within simple forms.