An Advent lesson hidden in Thomas Cole’s ‘Voyage of Life’
An Advent lesson hidden in Thomas Cole’s ‘Voyage of Life’
“How I have wandered … day after day, and all by myself, to discover if there was something among the ancient items that was fresh!” penned the American artist Thomas Cole. Advent resembles a journey, much like an artist, searching for what has not been observed previously. As we embark on a new liturgical year, we anxiously gaze at the horizon, anticipating the new blessings God will provide. We traverse well-known grounds, aspiring to uncover what is novel. And the insight is that in Advent, there is continually something fresh to discover.
I found myself reflecting on Thomas Cole at the beginning of Advent, as I recently had the opportunity to see one of my preferred series of artworks at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. I admired Cole’s “The Voyage of Life,” which consists of four allegorical paintings. Cole skillfully employs the canvas as a medium for moral and spiritual reflection, serving as a vessel for conveying God’s message. In the artist’s effort to impart a more profound meaning, he intricately weaves a narrative that goes beyond just illustrating American landscapes.
There, admiring his creation, it dawned on me: Cole’s allegory represents not only the journey of life but also the path of Advent. The liturgical period of Advent invites us to explore the enigmatic currents of the spirit, transitioning from the purity of expectation to the deep realization of the fruits of our salvation.
From purity to the challenges of existence
Our meditation starts in “Childhood,” a phase of purity and amazement. A golden vessel appears from an enigmatic cavern, representing our terrestrial beginnings. A child, filled with happiness and innocence, extends their hand to the universe under the direction of a celestial being. The tableau, illuminated by a rosy glow, reflects the abundant splendor of the world as we first perceive it. This depiction echoes the excitement and hope of Advent as we look forward to the coming of the Christ Child.
In the next canvas, “Youth,” the voyager takes command at the helm, daringly heading toward an aerial fortress — a representation of youthful aspiration for renown and honor. However, as Advent progresses, we must also recognize the unforeseen twists and turns of our spiritual path. Similar to the traveler in “Youth,” we may be unaware of the difficulties that await us, yet we continue in faith, anticipating the imminent splendor of Christmas.
Yet, in “Manhood,” the fury of nature, the apparitions of malevolence, and the murmurs of uncertainty bombard us. The control is gone, and we are thrown into fierce currents and jagged stones. Cole’s claim that only divine intervention can rescue the traveler from a disastrous end echoes the Advent message of redemption through the arrival of Christ. The entire world anticipates the arrival of a savior, for it cannot redeem itself.
Ultimately, as we advance towards “Old Age,” we stand at the intersection of the river of life and the sea of eternity. Our ship, worn and battered, represents the challenges and hardships faced. The elements of nature and physical reality are left behind as the guardian angel, now unveiled, guides our attention to a gentle glow breaking through the separating clouds — the glimpse of everlasting life. As we near the conclusion of Advent, we, too, turn our sight to our final goal made attainable through the arrival of Christ.
From the purity of expectation to the warmth of youthful aspiration, through the challenges of atonement and dependency, Cole’s cherished collection of artworks leads us through the period of Advent. Advent encourages us to travel the stream of existence with faith, hope, and the confidence that Divine Providence will lead us to meet once more the living Christ.
