Walter Rane: SUCH AS I HAVE, GIVE I THEE

 

 

THE STORY:

The title of this painting comes from Peter’s words in the book of Acts.  A lame man begging at the temple gates asked the apostles Peter and John for alms.  “And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.  And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.  Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk" (Acts 3:6).

ANALYSIS:

This painting captures the very moment of the miracle--the very moment of faith--when Peter takes the lame man by the right hand. The lame man looks pained at this angle. Peter lifts him up, “and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God" (Acts 3:8).  

The strong vertical lines of the two columns are echoed by the straight posture of Peter and John. It shows the power of their priesthood authority.

The lurking, suspicious faces in the background remind me of the Pharisees in paintings of Christ's miracles. It reminds us that the apostles faced the same disbelief and treachery that the Savior did during his earthly ministry.

Artist Walter Rane is inspired by Baroque painters such as Rembrandt, who often painted religious scenes with dramatic intensity.  Rane says, “Painting is not always visual. [Rembrandt’s] paintings have a reality to them that is not photographable. When you look at the people you can almost see them breathing, almost imagine they have feelings. They are not precise or photographic, but they are real. That is what I want in my work” (http://ldsmag.com/ldsmag/arts/050318walter.html). 

^{PERSONAL IMPACT:} 

Peter really has a way with words. "Gold and silver have I none; but such as I have I give thee." This miracle reminds me that God's work was not done once the Savior died, and that the physical miracles I so desperately want pale in comparison to the spiritual miracles the Savior offers.

The Relief Society president in my stake chose to display this painting in the alcove of the bishop's offices, because this moment celebrates the miraculous wonder of priesthood power.  The bishop's office is one place where modern priesthood holders share the true treasures of the gospel of Jesus Christ.