Timothy Hyman RA, Mid River: The Bearer, 1995-8.
1530 mm x 1220 mm. © Timothy Hyman RA. © Photo: Royal Academy of Arts, London.
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Timothy Hyman RA (b. 1946)
RA Collection: Art
This is a complex allegorical painting which draws on many influences. It is a retelling of the story of Saint Christopher carrying the infant Christ across a river. There are, however, several layers of meaning.
The central figure represents the artist, but is in fact a portrait of the philosopher and novelist John Cowper Powys (1872-1963) who Hyman feels 'shaped' him. The child on his shoulder is an angelic' presence helping the artist through a difficult period of his life.
The river through which the artist strides is the Thames, with Tower Bridge visible in the distance, but the scattered figures suffering various indignities beneath his feet are reminiscent of tormented souls in a painting by Pieter Bruegel.
1530 mm x 1220 mm