Lion and Fish

1956 – Christ Episcopal Church, Capitol Hill – Washington DC

This is one of a pair of lively windows in the narthex of Christ Church. While these two windows are similar in style, they could not be more different from the Risen Christ window that is located between them. That widow has a dominant red color, whereas here the various colors are fairly evenly distributed throughout, and the window has a lighter, contemporary look and much thinner lead lines.

One odd fact about this window is that you cannot see the whole thing at once. It is divided by a balcony, and this photo is a composite of the upper two-thirds of the window, taken from up in the balcony, and the lower third, taken from the narthex. There is also a railing in front of the balcony portion that adds additional lines to the window. The window is almost impossible to see from the nave, so you really have to go looking for it.

Iconography

Whereas the other window in this pair appears to focus on the sinless nature and sacrifice of Jesus (the divine assuming human flesh), this window celebrates the triumph and power of Jesus Christ as Son of God. The lion in the left lancet here, the counterpart of the unicorn in the other window, likely represents the Lion of Judah, symbolizing Jesus’ power as Messiah and Savior. Below the lion is a crown identifying Jesus as the King of Kings. Finally, below the crown, the gates of the City (Jerusalem) are open, welcoming us in.

In the right lancet is a goblet filled with gold pieces, along with two urns; all three are receptacles for the kingly gifts of the powerful Magi to the infant Jesus: gold, frankincense and myrrh. The fish below is an early Christian acronym that was used to secretly identify followers of Christ and mark safe meeting places for the early Church, because the Greek word for fish (ichthus) spells out the first letters of the words “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.” A multipointed star illuminates the bottom of the lancet, together with an anchor, an early Christian symbol of the hope, steadfastness, and security that come from Jesus’ triumph over sin and death on the Cross.

In the top tracery is what looks like an olive branch, symbolizing triumph and peace, entwined with a sprig, possibly laurel (for victory) or a flowering branch. Perhaps further research will reveal precisely what was intended here.

Year Completed

1955

Artist

Rowan LeCompte

Irene Matz LeCompte

Fabricator

Rowan LeCompte

Irene Matz LeCompte

Location In Building

Narthex East Facade