Simeon Solomon (1840-1905)

Dated 1874, this is one of Solomon's last works to record a Christian ritual in detail; thereafter his works become vaguer, less accurate and more expressive of mysticism. A Greek Orthodox bishop, identified by his crozier, or staff, is seen blessing his congregation, a subject depicted by Solomon several times. The use of bodycolour scumbled over a watercolour base achieves a remarkable sense of the shimmering silk and gold thread of the bishops robes.