“The Pearl of Great Price“ is a story from the Bible that appears in Matthew 13:45–46. Here, a photograph captures the original piece of artwork as a striking work of spiritual symbolism, created through a printmaking process that brings both abstraction and depth to life on paper. The central figure, who resembles a queen, holds a radiant pearl in her hand, symbolizing the preciousness of divine truth. Near her heart, the faint image of a dove can be seen, representing the Holy Spirit and the deep connection between the divine and the soul. Her gaze is intense and purposeful, as if she has found the one thing that truly matters—the Pearl of Great Price, representing Christ, the light, and the ways of God.
The composition carries an ethereal quality, with its abstract elements evoking the sacred and transcendent. The figure’s form and style even draw inspiration from the meditative quality of a Tibetan Buddhist Thangka, yet I translated this imagery into a deeply Christian context, where the pearl becomes the symbol of ultimate spiritual wealth.
This artwork invites the viewer to reflect on the importance of seeking the divine above all else, leaving behind worldly distractions in pursuit of the truth that lies within. The simplicity and elegance of the pearl in her hand serve as a reminder that the greatest treasure is found in spiritual enlightenment and the presence of Christ. The piece is both contemplative and majestic, offering a quiet yet profound meditation on the nature of true spiritual wealth.
10 ½” x 4”