Loughrea St. Brendan's Cathedral. An Angel Playing the Harp as Figurehead of St. Brendan's Boat 1908

Here, we have an image of stained glass created by Sarah Purser for Loughrea St. Brendan's Cathedral. The artwork is bathed in hues of reds and oranges, anchored by the dark lines of the glass divisions, with white at the far right. The composition centers on an angel, who is set against a deep red background. She is playing a harp, its golden strings glowing warmly. The color choices evoke an emotional intensity and a sense of warmth, which can have a spiritual element, particularly within a religious setting. The angel's presence, combined with the musical instrument, forms a visual language that speaks to the sacred stories, and inspires contemplation. Purser's selection of warm colours and dynamic composition provides an interpretation of traditional religious themes in the context of the early 20th century. It is an invitation to reflect on the interplay between faith, art, and cultural identity, and how the past is reimagined through visual representation. The visual interplay captures a moment, and also opens up conversations about art's ability to bridge historical narratives with contemporary insights.