View to Understanding: Jacob Wrestling with the Angel

#284 Jacob Wrestling with the Angel
2004, oil on canvas, 30" x 26"

The bible never said why Jacob was wrestling the angel. My father died in 2003 and the end of his life was, in a sense, a struggle. The sisters and Mom held a vigil around his hospital bed. The grandchildren dropped by. It was more a celebration of his life than a sadness of his death. I felt for him. He would have wanted this, and it was good. The painting reflects the love surrounding him. The Gustave Doré image of “Jacob Wrestling the Angel” is from our old family bible and is the first “art image“ that I can recall from my childhood.

When I walked into my dad’s hospital room, while he was in the coma, I discovered he was alone except that all the girl’s handbags were absent-mindedly lined up on the window ledge. I added mine and took a photo. This allowed me to document his dying. I’m sure he would have enjoyed the symbolism of his ‘girls’ presence.


	#284 Jacob Wrestling with the Angel 2004, oil on canvas, 30" x 26" The bible never said why Jacob was wrestling the angel. My father died in 2003 and the end of his life was, in a sense, a struggle. The sisters and Mom held a vigil around his hospital bed. The grandchildren dropped by. It was more a celebration of his life than a sadness of his death. I felt for him. He would have wanted this, and it was good. The painting reflects the love surrounding him. The Gustave Doré image of “Jacob Wrestling the Angel” is from our old family bible and is the first “art image“ that I can recall from my childhood. When I walked into my dad’s hospital room, while he was in the coma, I discovered he was alone except that all the girl’s handbags were absent-mindedly lined up on the window ledge. I added mine and took a photo. This allowed me to document his dying. I’m sure he would have enjoyed the symbolism of his ‘girls’ presence.
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