Photo – Peter Swanson

Nativity

1952 – Christ Episcopal Church, Cambridge, MD

Of the eight windows Rowan created for this church, this is the second in terms of subject matter, but it was one of the last to be crafted.  The church’s book about its windows credits Rowan and Irene for this one and says it was made in 1952.  There does not seem to be a signature or a date on the window. 

Once again, the background is totally different from the foreground and really sets off the figures. This background glass is transparent, with very little added color, and therefore it picks up the color and movement of the world outside the window.  This background glass has wonderful texture, as does all the glass in the window. Rowan uses minimal painting here, just enough to add form. 

Iconography

Christ Church’s 1975 book describing its windows states that “this window depicts the greatest event of all time and ushers in the birthday of the Christ-child, whose birthday we celebrate at Christmastime.  The Birth of Christ not only changed the secular calendar but it also changed civilization and set a new course for all [hu]mankind.”  The lamp that Joseph holds reminds us that Jesus is the Light of the world, and the apple presented by the young shepherd boy symbolizes the new Adam (Jesus Christ), who has come to bear all our sins. This is a very beautiful window and a touching portrayal of the Nativity story.

Year Completed

1952

Artists

Rowan LeCompte

Irene Matz LeCompte

Fabricator

Rowan LeCompte

Irene Matz LeCompte

Location In Building

South Wall