Image source: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain). View source
The Light of the World
William Holman Hunt · Symbolism & Art Nouveau
- Artist
- William Holman Hunt (1827–1910)
- Date
- 1851–1853
- Dimensions
- 125.5 x 59.8 cm
- Medium
- Oil on canvas over panel
- Location
- Keble College, Oxford, United Kingdom
The Light of the World shows Christ at night, crowned with thorns and carrying a lantern, knocking at an old wooden door overgrown with weeds and ivy. The image illustrates the Bible verse 'Behold, I stand at the door, and knock', inscribed on the frame.
A closer look
The door has no handle on the outside and can only be opened from within: it represents the human soul, which must choose to let Christ in. The rusty hinges, the brambles and the fallen apples suggest neglect and sin, while the warm light of the lantern and the soft moonlight behind Christ's head signify conscience and salvation. Hunt painted at night in an orchard by moonlight to capture the effect accurately. In typical Pre-Raphaelite fashion, every leaf and jewel is painted with minute detail, and the elaborate gilt frame was designed by the artist himself.
