Christus Rex 1940

Esther Newport, who lived from 1901 to 1986, made this graphic print of Christ the King. I can imagine Esther Newport working on this print, carefully choosing each color to create a sense of reverence and awe. The rich blues and reds, combined with the golden halo, create a heavenly atmosphere. The figures are rendered with a stylized simplicity, reminiscent of folk art. Look at the repetition of forms, from the angels' wings to the rays emanating from the Eucharist. I wonder what Newport was thinking about as she carved those lines? Was she striving for a sense of timelessness? Was she considering how to depict divinity? This piece feels like a heartfelt expression of faith, an intimate conversation between the artist and her beliefs. It’s a reminder that art is an ongoing dialogue, artists are always inspired by those who came before them.