Photo – Peter Swanson

King David

1963 – Church of The Epiphany, Washington, DC

This window and its neighbor in this Washington, DC church are the only examples we know of in which Rowan and Irene used etched glass instead of stained glass. The Church’s historian, Tripp Jones, says “these windows were always clear. There was a lot of concern about putting glass in those spaces since they did not get any outside light.” As you can see, however, they do get inside light, and that creates its own unique effect when the window is viewed

Because Rowan was used to creating scenes in windows with simple lines of black paint, it was not a stretch to design a window like this. The challenge must have been in the execution, and we do not know whether that was done by Rowan, Irene, or someone else. Etching glass can be a tricky and messy process and must involve some experience to do it well. These lines, however, are definitely in Rowan’s hands, and the effect is quite stunning.

Iconography

In the upper right lancet of the window we see a young David, who was recruited by Saul to play the harp for him when he was ill. The first book of Samuel says, “Whenever the evil spirit from God bothered Saul, David would play his harp. Saul would relax and feel better, and the evil spirit would go away” (1 Samuel 16:23).

In the left lancet we see an older David, now wearing his royal crown, playing his harp for the city of Jerusalem. Scenes of David playing the harp are numerous in the art world, and they remind us of the soothing power of music.

Year Completed

1963

Artists

Rowan LeCompte

Irene Matz LeCompte

Fabricator

Rowan LeCompte

Irene Matz LeCompte

Location In Building

Rear Wall of Nave