Professor Luca Settimo explores the symbolism of the reredos at Middlesbrough Cathedral in a talk to the Cleveland Newman Circle.
The reredos behind the main altar of Middlesbrough Cathedral is a magnificent painting stretching from the floor to the high ceiling; it dominates the sanctuary while placing a focus on the altar. It was painted in 1987 by Robert Brumby, a Yorkshire man, who remains content that people can make their own interpretations of the work. At first sight, its glowing colours and patterns appear to be abstract forms. However, as Professor Luca Settimo explained in his recent talk to the Cleveland Newman Circle, closer inspection can lead to valuable reflection on our salvation history and even to considerations of the origins of the universe.
Luca, originally from Italy, is a Scientist, a qualified pharmacist and a Theologian, with doctorates from Finland and Nottingham. He is especially interested in areas where Theology and Science meet. His talk - comprehensively supported by biblical texts - focused on how meditating on the images in the reredos can open up ideas both about creation and cosmic evolution and also about our redemption through the crucified Christ and the life of the Church.
The dark areas at the base of the painting provide a suitable foil for the altar to ‘sing out’; in themselves they can be seen as the chaos and disorder from which God in his love freely created our universe. They can also be seen to contain the seeds and weeds from which creation evolves. As we look higher up the painting there is more colour and more light. Luca identified areas where we can discern a calf, a man’s face, an eagle and a lion, the symbols of the evangelists; fishes and a net can be seen to represent Christianity; there are three crosses, church buildings are discernible, then four arches for the gospels with three towers to signify the Trinity. As the eye ascends we see planets spinning, reforming, and at the top all the colours mingle into a brightness that Luca suggests is an ultimate unity, a sublime expression of Christ’s Spirit of Love.
Luca’s enthusiasm for interpreting the symbolism in this painting was infectious. He encouraged his audience to look for themselves, to spend time meditating on the reredos, opening themselves to new meanings. We can all learn much by just absorbing this art: so when you are next in Coulby Newham, come in to explore the reredos!
Luca’s presentation can be viewed at https://youtu.be/TmPyquraC_c.
For information about the future programme of the Cleveland Newman Circle, please contact Patricia Egerton at p.egerton123@gmail.com or phone 01642-645742. Talks are held in St Mary’s Cathedral Hall, Coulby Newham, TS8 0TW. All are welcome!