The original large-scale work of art, The Betrothal of Mary and Joseph, was commissioned by Fr. Robert Clements, Chaplain of the All Saints Catholic Newman Center of Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. At 24 feet high and 13 feet wide, the original work depicts the scene from the Gospel of Matthew.
The Betrothal of Mary and Joseph provides a beautiful model of marriage and the purity and faithfulness of its preparation. Inspired by the Beuronese School, the work employs a substructure of sacred geometry, which assists in providing quiet balance, order, and harmony to the composition. Muted colors and stylized figures avoid the imposition of a particular emotive experience, but draw the worshiper into participation in Christ’s self-offering in the Mass.
The Greek letters within the triangle at the top of the artwork are the Tetragrammaton, Greek meaning "four letters," and refers to the four Hebrew letters (י-ה-ו-ה or YHWH) that represent the personal name of the God of Israel in the Hebrew Bible. It is considered the most sacred name of God in Judaism and is traditionally not pronounced.
Betrothal of Mary and Joseph, by Ruth Stricklin, © 2018 New Jerusalem Studios, LLC.
