The Master's Hand

The value of a painting is often determined by what one does NOT see...

According to Art Experts, Inc., “X-ray use has become a common practice among art authenticators. Not only does it unlock secrets underneath paintings, but it helps to establish authenticity. Types of paper, materials, preparatory sketches, changes to the composition, and other clues can be discovered through the use of an x-ray to prove the nature and origin of a painting.” *

Authenticators of Art Experts, Inc. explain the process: “Like at your doctor's office, x-rays can see through different layers. But instead of flesh, these x-rays see different layers of paint. X-rays can show where touch-ups have been made, or where places were painted over.”  Interestingly, it is the “touch-ups” and places “painted over” which may actually determine if a painting is the genuine article.

X-ray research has confirmed that many well-known artists would recycle their canvases. “Painting over a rejected picture was a common practice. Red flags would go up for an art authenticator if there were no sketches, modifications (pentimenti), or anything at all below the surface of a painting. Some painters though, did not prepare a sketch. In general, however, a perfect composition may indicate that the painting is a duplicate or a copy.”

For example, x-ray research has revealed that Pablo Picasso’s painting, “The Old Guitarist” (1903), actually began as an old woman with her head bent over.  Also, the beautiful landscape in Rembrandt’s “Tobias and the Angel” was originally a portrait of 
a man.

One might expect that the finest painters demanded the finest in materials and supplies, but this is not the case.  What modern techniques have revealed is in fact quite the opposite. The esteemed did not require or seek the perfect canvas. Rather the masterpiece was wrought from an imperfect canvas at the hand of the master painter.

Similarly, the Master (JESUS) can produce a masterpiece from the corrupted canvas of our lives.  Even though our “image” has been marred by sin (Romans 3:23), through the Master’s love and grace, He “paints over” (covers) the blemishes with His own blood (Ephesians 1:7).  Then, with our loving submission and His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), He produces a new creation, fit for eternity (Romans 6:23).

If we will present our “canvases” (our lives) to Him by: putting our faith 
and trust in Him (Acts 16:30-31), turning from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confessing Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized (immersed) in His name for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), then He can and will create something beautiful and lasting with our lives.

Won’t YOU submit yourself to the Master’s hand?

-- Terry Livingston & David A. Sargent

Church of Christ at Creekwood 
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama  36695

* Art Experts, Inc., http://www.artexpertswebsite.com/pages/research-pages/xray.php

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