Prophecy

1984 – Washington National Cathedral – Nave Clerestory 

Unlike any other window in the Clerestory, this window contains a mixture of Old and New Testament stories as well as ancient and modern imagery.  With the overall theme, “religion without righteousness is loathsome to God,” Rowan covered the gamut from Moses to missiles and from burnt offerings to televangelists.  The nuclear missiles and televangelists are both bold commentary on current issues as they were both in the news of the day.  They are, however, not only statements from Rowan’s imagination, but also statements from the cathedral administration.  You have to remember that all of these ideas and designs were approved by the cathedral art committee which consisted of clergy and lay people.  While Mary Higgins says there can be tension between artists and committees, the subject matter of this window would not have been approved without the committee’s consent.

The window has beautiful greens and purples dominating, with bits of reds, blues and yellows giving balance to the overall composition.  These were selected by Dieter Goldkuhle, who did the craftwork on this window. Rowan did the painting.

We have two video clips in which Rowan talks about this window.  The first is Rowan talking to a tour group about the two contrasting figures in the right lancet.  The second a classic Rowan response when he was asked if he thinks people will be inspired by the stories in these windows.

Rowan comments on the right lancet.

Year Completed

1983

Artists

Rowan LeCompte 

Fabricator

Dieter Goldkuhle

Location In Building

South Clerestory Bay 7