OLD LYME—On Sunday, June 2, at 4 p.m., Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church hosts a presentation by the Reverend Charles Miller on his new book The Spiritual Adventure of Henri Matisse in the Griswold Room at Saint Ann’s
Miller will discuss Matisse’s groundbreaking design work on the Dominican Chapel of the Rosary in Vence, France, which is explored in both narrative and full color illustrations throughout the book.
Through a remarkable synergy between Matisse and the Dominican co-creators of the chapel, Matisse—then in his 80h year—designed the entire decorative program for the building, including the extraordinary stained-glass windows of this chapel.
Matisse considered “the strong midi [midday] sunlight almost as an element of the building. It will intensify the whiteness of the simple exterior and crescendo the colour of the brilliant stained-glass windows.”
In short, Matisse’s vision was that this be “ ‘a church full of gaiety—a place which will make people happy.’ “ (Rosamund Bernier, “Matisse Designs a New Church,” Vogue, USA, February 15, 1949)
In addition, Miller reveals how the personal story of Matisse’s life found expression in this building and how Matisse, in his final years, embraced an intentional artistic and spiritual path through his creative collaboration with local artisans and his Dominican partners of France’s Catholic Church.
Miller’s lecture will be illustrated with slides of the lavish illustrations from his book.
A reception will follow the lecture; all are invited to attend the lecture and the reception.
Books signed by the author will be available for sale after the presentation.
Miller, an American by birth, read Classics and received his doctorate in theology from Oxford University. He is the brother of Laura Lee Miller, a Saint Ann’s parishioner.
Miller has taught theology, church history and spirituality in the UK and Russia. Ecumenical interests have shaped his intellectual world and guided his life-long interest in the plastic arts and the theology of beauty.
He currently serves as Team Rector of the Parish of Abingdon-on-Thames in England.
Editor’s Note: Visit this link to purchase the book in advance of the lecture, Henri Matisse: A Spiritual Adventure