On the south wall of the rotunda hangs a large mural by Frank Brangwyn. Frank, a Brit, was a famous muralist at the time. The actual mural was being re-touched when I was there.
So, these are images of a much smaller copy. And, when I took the photo, I did not use a flash. So the images are a bit difficult to see. However, there is a tremendous amount of symbolism in the mural.
It initially appears to be a scene from WWI. Clearly the Doughboys are in front. On the left, helmeted soldiers dig trenches. On the right a group of soldiers eat and drink. And, in the center, a man in a tattered robe (perhaps a wounded soldier?) is helped along by another soldier.
So, these are images of a much smaller copy. And, when I took the photo, I did not use a flash. So the images are a bit difficult to see. However, there is a tremendous amount of symbolism in the mural.
It initially appears to be a scene from WWI. Clearly the Doughboys are in front. On the left, helmeted soldiers dig trenches. On the right a group of soldiers eat and drink. And, in the center, a man in a tattered robe (perhaps a wounded soldier?) is helped along by another soldier.
But, if you
look closely above the man in the tatterred robe , there is a
faint image of the Madonna and Child. With that perspective, the wounded soldier could be Jesus, and the fallen tree behind him represents
the cross. This could easily be a representation of the Passion of
Christ.
Additionally, others have suggested what you are seeing is also a representation of the Masonic Lodge initiation ceremony.
I hope to get back there to see the restored painting!
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