Immanuel
by Rachel Trego | @rachelatrest
Immanuel, Rachel Trego, Acrylic on Canvas, 16x20
In this painting, the birth of Jesus according to Matthew is portrayed, which offers insights into the messiness of Joseph's perspective in the whole story. He learned that his betrothed was pregnant and sought to quietly turn away, walking away from this young woman, filled with fears. But in a dream he learns more and is told that this is truly the fulfillment of the years of waiting, that his betrothed was in fact the virgin who was carrying God with us inside of her. Creator God blessed these two to unite as a couple, even as the Holy Spirit overshadows her and she becomes bearer of the Word made flesh, God with us. This embodiment and incarnation came with a cost for both Mary and Joseph as they stepped out in faith.
The complexities of this birth story of Jesus according to Matthew are distilled into an abstract painting. The presence of the Trinity is conveyed with the Holy Spirit overshadowing Mary as a dove, Immanuel filling Mary's womb, and the Creator God encircling the space and uniting her with Joseph. The circular form reflects the covenantal relationship in the image of a ring. The simplified form of Mary is attentive to the new life emerging within her while also reaching out to Joseph. He is angled away, considering quietly walking away, yet also receiving insights through a dream and ultimately reaching back toward Mary as they step out in faith.
