The following came to mind while pondering the culture-shaping contributions of anonymous creators.
Who are the artists who adorn our cathedrals? Their anonymity elevates their work. Their humility reflects heaven’s glow. They transcend this world because they have sacrificed their egos to the most admirable of all goods: beauty.
The artists who adorn our cathedrals create for those above without care for us below. And yet they love us so well. They call us to be better and they show us how. They redirect our gaze. Their art is fuel for the holy fire, amplifying its warmth, focusing its rays. They are more than muses, for they now mirror the angels.
We do not remember the names of the artists who adorn our cathedrals. We do not see their faces. They hide certain details to reveal deeper truths. They bridge heaven and earth.
Their work, like that of so many anonymous creators, alters history. Their gift of self nurtures culture. Their sacrifice heals souls. They are, themselves, icons.
The artists who adorn our cathedrals are the noblest of us all. Let us learn from them, honor them, become them.
Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this reflection, you might also appreciate “The Lost Art of Cathedral Building.”