Magnificat
   
By Caroline Coolidge Brown

Around the altar each year we proclaim the triumph of the Resurrection with cascades of white Easter lilies – virginal and pure, majestic and mighty.  The power of God made flesh, the power of eternal life over mortal death, trumpeting out "He Is Risen!"

The lily is also the symbol of Mary, and her story of Annunciation has captured the hearts of artists for centuries.  She had the faith and strength to answer God's call to do the impossible, to say "be it unto me according to thy word."

Her Magnificat rings out with a joy so great that a baby leaps in the womb to hear her.  "My soul doth magnify the Lord!"  She sings of the joy, the hope, and the promise of the incarnation that she carries.  She holds creation and salvation within her.  She is the bulb about to bloom.

How can a lily be at once sturdy and simple, yet so intricate and unique?  How can this incarnation of pollen and petals and fragrance and beauty spring from a rough brown bulb?

The Magnificat so speaks to us because we know that we share Mary’s gift.  God gives each of us the seed of incarnation.  Like Mary, we are each told, "nothing will be impossible with God."  Each of us is blessed among women and men by the redeeming power of God's grace.  In the Magnificat we share with humanity the beauty of poetry, the hope of prophecy, the triumph of the Resurrection, and the glory of Creation.

My paintings are my prayer,
        and my prayers are my painting.
My soul doth magnify the Lord!

May God fill my hands and heart
        and eyes and mind so that
        I may be part of the joy of Creation.
May I answer the angels
       with the triumphant shout
       of an Easter lily –
       He Is Risen!

Caroline C. Brown
1438 LeFleur Place
Memphis TN 38120
email: mail@carolinecbrown.com
website: www.carolinecbrown.com

Magnificat I
mixed media on paper, 18 x 22





Magnificat II
mixed media on paper, 30 x 44





Magnificat III
mixed media on paper, 30 x 44
 

This series of work drew its inspiration from the Magnificat text and the forms of Easter lilies. The large paintings reflect my desire to explore the more abstract and organic forms of flowers while using the text as a contextual and design element.