In 2001 I was deeply honored and humbled to be commissioned by the archbishop of San Juan, Monsignor Roberto González Nieves, to paint the official portrait of Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, to be given as a gift from Puerto Rico to the Pontifical North American College in Vatican City where it is exhibited in the Hall of Saints.
I was subsequently interviewed by EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network)
At the core of Blessed Carlos’ spirituality (Pope John Paul II said) was his faith in the Resurrection. He promoted the Easter Vigil as the defining moment of Christian spiritual life, repeating often, “We live for that Night.” (Vivimos para esa Noche)
He is shown here with St. Mary, whom he cared for after our Lord’s crucifixion (Jn 19:26, 27), at Ephesus in Turkey, the Isle of Patmos on the horizon, imprisoned and wrote Revelation.
He embraces his gospel to his heart, bringing to mind the Cross and Passion of our Lord. Significantly, his crossed arms define the shape of a chalice (the sacred blood) and an hourglass. Indeed, it reminds us that Christ is the Alpha and the Omega.
Above the saint flies the eagle, John’s symbol of vision and highest inspiration. Specifically, it carries away a serpent because, according to legend, Emperor Domitian once spiked the saint’s wine with poison. Subsequently and miraculously, it turned into a snake and slithered out of the cup.
High relief wood carvings of 6 saints by Vonn Hartung, in ambo at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Pensacola, Florida (photo by Steven Schloeder/Liturgical Environs PC)
This high relief wood sculpture, St. John Apostle and Evangelist is12-inches x 33-inches x 3-inches. It is one of six saints carved by A.Vonn Hartung. Pastor Doug Halsema commissioned them for the Ambo of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Pensacola, Florida. Dr. Steven Schloeder of Liturgical Environs PC was the liturgical consultant.
The saints are all directed towards the center of the Ambo, as though they are again listening to and reliving the truth and reality of Christ Jesus, that because of them and through them, the gift of the Holy Spirit continues to live in us in the Liturgy of the Word.
“Working with Vonn on the iconography and formal expression of the new ambo at St. Paul’s in Pensacola, Florida, was an enriching experience. Vonn brought forth a powerful new interpretation of a classical iconographic theme. The four Evangelists surrounding the figures of Saints Peter and Paul create a “sacra conversazione” of dialogue among themselves, with the Lord, who proclaims the Gospel, and with the congregation listening to the Lord proclaimed in the Gospel. The power of his figures that capture the spirit of the Evangelists and the Apostles of Rome can only come from deep contemplation and resonance with the subjects, and a profound mastery of his art.” —
Dr. Steven J. Schloeder, architect, author of Architecture in Communion (Ignatius Press)
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“San Juan Evangelista“, Escultura en madera en alto relieve, obra de AVonn Hartung, para la Iglesia Católica, San Pablo (Pensacola, Florida).
Aquí se muestra con Santa María a quien le cuidaba después de la crucifixión de nuestro Señor (Jn 19:26, 27) en Éfeso, Turquía. La isla de Patmos está en el horizonte, donde fue encarcelado y escribió el Apocalipsis. Él abraza a su Evangelio a su corazón que nos recuerda la Cruz y de la Pasión de Nuestro Señor. Ademá, sus brazos cruzados definen la forma de un cáliz (la sagrada sangre) y un reloj de arena. Eso nos recuerda que Cristo es el Alfa y la Omega.
Por encima del santo vuela el águila, símbolo la visión y la más alta inspiración de San Juan. Se lleva una serpiente. Cuenta la leyenda que el emperador Domiciano envenenó el vino del santo. Entonces milagrosamente se convirtió en una serpiente y se deslizó de la copa.
Esta escultura en madera dealto relieve(12 pulgadasx33pulgadasx3pulgadas) es uno de los seissantostallados porA.VonnHartungpara elambóndela iglesia Católica deSt. Paulen Pensacola,Florida,encargado porel PastorDougHalsemamedianteConsultor LitúrgicoDr.StevenSchloederdeLiturgical Environs PC
High relief wood carvings of 6 saints by Vonn Hartung, in ambo at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Pensacola, Florida (photo by Steven Schloeder/Liturgical Environs PC)
Los santosestán dirigidoshacia el centro del Ambón,como si estuvieranescuchandode nuevoyvolviendo a vivirla verdady la realidadde CristoJesús,quegracias a ellosa través de ellosel don delEspírituSantocontinúa viviendoen nosotrosen la Liturgiade la Palabra.
“Trabajar con Vonn en la iconografía y la expresión formal del nuevo ambón de la iglesia de San Pablo en Pensacola, Florida, fue una experiencia enriquecedora. Vonn proyectó una nueva y poderosa interpretación de un tema iconográfico clásico. Los cuatro evangelistas que rodean las figuras de los santos Pedro y Pablo crean una “sacra conversazione” de diálogo entre ellos, con el Señor, que proclama el Evangelio, y con la congregación que escucha al Señor proclamado en el Evangelio. La fuerza de sus figuras, que capturan el espíritu de los evangelistas y los apóstoles de Roma, solo puede provenir de una profunda contemplación y conexión con los temas, y de un profundo dominio de su arte”. — Dr. Steven J. Schloeder, arquitecto, autor de Architecture in Communion (Ignatius Press)
“Apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe with St. Juan Diego” painting by AVonnHartung
Today we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of Mexico and Empress of the Americas…today December 12, the day that she left her image imprinted on Juan Diego’s tilma. (translation from La Palabra Entre Nosotros)
This painting also celebrates St. Juan Diego, whose Feast Day is December 9th.
In 2003 I was commissioned by Parroquia San Ignacio (9:30 Community) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to paint “Our Lady of Guadalupe with St. Juan Diego” to be given as a gift to Father Donald Vega SJ, on the occasion of his 50th anniversary as a priest. (She is his personal patron saint)
I added a personal detail by including his dog Luigi in the foreground. Luigi and Lola were orphaned dogs taken in by Father Vega. They would lie down before the altar and in the first pew everyday as he celebrated mass.
Today, October 18th, is the Feast Day of St. Luke the Evangelist, patron saint of physicians and artists.
On this occasion, I pay special homage to him with this wood sculpture.
St. Luke, high relief wood sculpture by AVonnHartung for St. Paul Catholic Church (Pensacola, Florida)
Artistically, I have placed St. Luke the Evangelist in the center of his mission. In addition, I have conveyed the sense of harmony that the gift of the Holy Spirit has brought him.
Luke was St. Paul‘s companion and biographer. Additionally, he authored Acts of the Apostles, a continuation of his gospel. By the style of his hair and garments, I indicate his Syrian gentile origin of Greek lineage. I have juxtaposed Luke to the winged ox, symbol of sacrifice, patient servitude, and strength. Additionally, I have portrayed the Parable of the Sower from his gospel (Lk 8:4-9).
The tempestuous backdrop witnesses to his shipwreck with Paul (Acts 27:13-42) and the many trials and tribulations he experienced struggling to keep pace with him on his missionary journeys. Luke holds his written witness in a book (gospel) that resembles a paperback, reflecting the dynamics of his perilous travels with Paul.
“Luke studied the life and words of Jesus with utmost care, knew and relied upon witnesses to the actual events–including Mary and St. John–and devoted some time to speaking with the women who had traveled with Jesus. The Gospel [of Luke] is thus especially notable for the respect and attention it pays to women in the Church, in contrast to the role of women both in Jewish and pagan society…Luke stresses the mercy of God, documenting the merciful acts of Christ…Luke also devoted much attention–more than his fellow evangelists–to the interior life of prayer…” (OSV’s Encyclopedia of Catholic History, by Matthew Bunson, D.Min.)
High relief wood carvings of 6 saints by Vonn Hartung, in ambo at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Pensacola, Florida (photo by Steven Schloeder/Liturgical Environs PC)
This high relief wood sculpture (12-inches x 33-inches x 3-inches) is one of the six saints carved by A.Vonn Hartung for the Ambo of St. Paul’s Church in Pensacola, Florida, commissioned by Pastor Doug Halsema through Liturgical Consultant Dr. Steven Schloeder of Liturgical Environs.
The saints are all directed towards the center of the Ambo, as though they are again listening to and reliving the truth and reality of Christ Jesus, that because of them and through them, the gift of the Holy Spirit continues to live in us in the Liturgy of the Word.
Here are large photos, including a bilingual description (Eng/Span) of the Ambo and all six saints
Six Carved Saints is a video of the artist explaining the symbolism of the carvings.
“Working with Vonn on the iconography and formal expression of the new ambo at St. Paul’s in Pensacola, Florida, was an enriching experience. Vonn brought forth a powerful new interpretation of a classical iconographic theme. The four Evangelists surrounding the figures of Saints Peter and Paul create a “sacra conversazione” of dialogue among themselves, with the Lord, who proclaims the Gospel, and with the congregation listening to the Lord proclaimed in the Gospel. The power of his figures that capture the spirit of the Evangelists and the Apostles of Rome can only come from deep contemplation and resonance with the subjects, and a profound mastery of his art.” —
Dr. Steven J. Schloeder, architect, author of Architecture in Communion (Ignatius Press)
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Hoy, 18 de octubre, se celebra la festividad de San Lucas Evangelista, patrono de los médicos y artistas.
En esta ocasión le rindo un homenaje especial con esta escultura de madera.
San Lucas, escultura en madera de altorrelieve, de AVonn Hartung, para la Iglesia Católica, St Paul (Pensacola, Florida).
Artísticamente, he situado a San Lucas Evangelista en el centro de su misión. Además, he transmitido la sensación de armonía que le ha brindado el don del Espíritu Santo.
Lucas fue el compañero y biógrafo de San Pablo. Además, fue autor de los Hechos de los Apóstoles, una continuación de su evangelio. Por el estilo de su cabello y sus vestimentas, indico su origen gentil sirio de linaje griego. He yuxtapuesto a Lucas con el buey alado, símbolo de sacrificio, servidumbre paciente y fuerza. Además, he retratado la parábola del sembrador de su evangelio (Lc 8,4-9).
El tempestuoso telón de fondo da testimonio de su naufragio con Pablo (Hechos 27:13-42) y de las muchas pruebas y tribulaciones que experimentó mientras luchaba por seguir su ritmo en sus viajes misioneros. Lucas presenta su testimonio escrito en un libro (evangelio) que parece un libro de bolsillo, reflejando la dinámica de sus peligrosos viajes con Pablo.
“Lucas estudió la vida y las palabras de Jesús con sumo cuidado, conoció y se basó en testigos de los hechos —incluyendo a María y San Juan— y dedicó tiempo a hablar con las mujeres que habían viajado con Jesús. El Evangelio de Lucas es, por lo tanto, especialmente notable por el respeto y la atención que presta a las mujeres en la Iglesia, en contraste con el papel de la mujer tanto en la sociedad judía como en la pagana… Lucas enfatiza la misericordia de Dios, documentando los actos misericordiosos de Cristo… Lucas también dedicó mucha atención —más que sus compañeros evangelistas— a la vida interior de oración.”.. (Enciclopedia de Historia Católica de la OSV, por Matthew Bunson, D.Min.)
Esta escultura de madera en alto relieve (12 pulgadas x 33 pulgadas x 3 pulgadas) es uno de los seis santos tallados por A. Vonn Hartung para el ambón de la iglesia de San Pablo en Pensacola, Florida, encargado por el pastor Doug Halsema a través del consultor litúrgico Dr. Steven Schloeder de Liturgical Environs.
Tallas de madera en alto relieve de Seis Santos, obra de Vonn Hartung, en el ambón de la Iglesia Católica de St. Paul, Pensacola, Florida (foto de Steven Schloeder/Liturgical Environs PC)
Los santos están todos dirigidos hacia el centro del Ambón, como si nuevamente escucharan y revivieran la verdad y la realidad de Cristo Jesús, que por ellos y a través de ellos, el don del Espíritu Santo continúa viviendo en nosotros en la Liturgia de la Palabra.
Here are large photos, including a bilingual description (Eng/Span) of the Ambo and all six saints
Six Carved Saints es un vídeo del artista que explica el simbolismo de las tallas.
“Trabajar con Vonn en la iconografía y la expresión formal del nuevo ambón de la iglesia de San Pablo en Pensacola, Florida, fue una experiencia enriquecedora. Vonn creó una nueva y poderosa interpretación de un tema iconográfico clásico. Los cuatro evangelistas que rodean las figuras de los santos Pedro y Pablo crean una “sacra conversazione” de diálogo entre ellos, con el Señor, que proclama el Evangelio, y con la congregación que escucha al Señor proclamado en el Evangelio. La fuerza de sus figuras, que capturan el espíritu de los evangelistas y los apóstoles de Roma, solo puede provenir de una profunda contemplación y conexión con los temas, y de un profundo dominio de su arte”. —Dr. Steven J. Schloeder, arquitecto, autor de Architecture in Communion (Ignatius Press)
“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light…. He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaiah.” (John 1:6-8, 23)
Today as the Catholic Church commemorates the Feast Day of the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, I present this mosaic mural which depicts his life and prophecy in the sanctuary of Parroquia San Juan Bautista in the central mountain town of Orocovis, Puerto Rico.
“The Life and Prophecy of St. John the Baptist” mosaic mural byAVonnHartung in Orocovis, Puerto Rico
Conceived in three arches which represent the Holy Trinity, the story of St. John the Baptist is expressed across time in the sanctuary of Christ’s church and includes the priest and congregation today in the fulfillment of sacred liturgy. When viewed from the rear of the Church during Mass, the servers and congregation are seen as completing the work of art.
“…and so I tell you, Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven; what you prohibit on earth will be prohibited in heaven, and what you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” (Matthew 16:18-19)
“St. Peter” wood sculpture high relief by AVonnHartung for St. Paul’s Catholic Church (Pensacola, Florida)
Artistically, I have tried through composition and subject matter to place St. Peter in the center of his mission. I have strived to impart a feeling of the harmony brought to him through the gift of the Holy Spirit. In his countenance as a man, I show his strength and vulnerability as well as the dynamic quality of his inspiration.
I express Peter’s great humanity by portraying his sensitive concern for his emotional and idealistic vulnerability, as well as his tight grip on the immense task laid upon him.
He is a man of our times, for he is still with us through the sacred succession of popes. I express this in the dome of Saint Peter’s and the columns of his basilica in the background.
His garments show him as a fisherman and a priest, with both his hood and stola shown against the sea where he fished. He holds the shepherd’s staff with the first ambo from which Jesus preached, which was Peter’s boat. Also on the staff is planet Earth, God’s sacred creation, we call home.
Also emphasized are the keys to heaven and the Holy Spirit in the wind of his garments. He stands upon the rock of Christ’s church, which I have placed emerging from the sea of time and human history, and resembling somewhat the surface of the human heart.
This high relief wood sculpture (12-inches x 33-inches x 3-inches) is one of six saints carved by A.Vonn Hartung for the Ambo of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Pensacola, Florida. Pastor Doug Halsema commissioned these carvings through Liturgical Consultant Dr. Steven Schloeder of Liturgical Environs.
The carvings considered as a group: Because Christ is present in His own word in proclaiming the Gospel the carved figures of the saints Peter, Paul, and the Evangelists are all directed towards the center of the Ambo. It is as if they are again listening to and reliving the truth and reality of Christ Jesus. Because of them and through them, the gift of the Holy Spirit continues to live in us in the Liturgy of the Word.
Here are large photos, including a bilingual (Eng/Span) description of the Ambo and all six saints—
Six Carved Saints is a video of the artist explaining the symbolism of the six carvings.
“Working with Vonn on the iconography and formal expression of the new ambo at St. Paul’s in Pensacola, Florida, was an enriching experience. Vonn brought forth a powerful new interpretation of a classical iconographic theme. The four Evangelists surrounding the figures of Saints Peter and Paul create a “sacra conversazione” of dialogue among themselves, with the Lord, who proclaims the Gospel, and with the congregation listening to the Lord proclaimed in the Gospel. The power of his figures that capture the spirit of the Evangelists and the Apostles of Rome can only come from deep contemplation and resonance with the subjects, and a profound mastery of his art.” —Dr. Steven J. Schloeder, architect, author of Architecture in Communion (Ignatius Press)
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“…y yo te digo que tú eres Pedro. Sobre esta piedra edificaré mi iglesia y las puertas de los dominios de la muerte no prevalecerán contra ella. Te daré las llaves del reino de los cielos; todo lo que ates en la tierra quedará atado en el cielo y todo lo que desates en la tierra quedará desatado en el cielo.” (Mateo 16: 18-19)
“San Pedro“, Escultura en madera, altorrelieve, de AVonn Hartung, para la Iglesia Católica, Saint Paul (Pensacola, Florida).
Artísticamente, he intentado, mediante la composición y la temática, situar a San Pedro en el centro de su misión. Me he esforzado por transmitirle la sensación de la armonía que le trajo el don del Espíritu Santo. En su rostro humano, muestro su fuerza y vulnerabilidad, así como el dinamismo de su inspiración.
Expreso la gran humanidad de Peter al retratar su sensible preocupación por su vulnerabilidad emocional e idealista, así como su firme compromiso con la inmensa tarea que se le había encomendado.
Es un hombre de nuestro tiempo, pues sigue con nosotros a través de la sagrada sucesión de los papas. Lo expreso en la cúpula de San Pedro y en las columnas de su basílica al fondo.
Sus vestimentas lo muestran como pescador y sacerdote, con su capucha y su estola contra el mar donde pescaba. Sostiene el cayado de pastor con el primer ambón desde el que predicó Jesús, que era la barca de Pedro. También en el cayado está el planeta Tierra, la creación sagrada de Dios, que llamamos hogar.
También se destacan las llaves del cielo y el Espíritu Santo en el viento de sus vestiduras. Él se yergue sobre la roca de la iglesia de Cristo, que he colocado emergiendo del mar del tiempo y la historia humana, y que se asemeja en cierta medida a la superficie del corazón humano.
Esta escultura de madera en alto relieve (12 pulgadas x 33 pulgadas x 3 pulgadas) es uno de los seis santos tallados por A. Vonn Hartung para el ambón de la iglesia católica de San Pablo en Pensacola, Florida. El pastor Doug Halsema encargó estas esculturas a través del consultor litúrgico Dr. Steven Schloeder de Liturgical Environs.
Las tallas consideradas como un grupo: Porque Cristo está presente en Su propia palabra al proclamar el Evangelio, las figuras talladas de los santos Pedro, Pablo y los Evangelistas están todas dirigidas hacia el centro del Ambón. Es como si estuvieran nuevamente escuchando y reviviendo la verdad y la realidad de Cristo Jesús. Por ellos y a través de ellos, el don del Espíritu Santo continúa viviendo en nosotros en la Liturgia de la Palabra.
Aquí hay fotografías grandes, incluida una descripción bilingüe del ambón y de los seis santos.
Six Carved Saints es un vídeo del artista que explica el simbolismo de las seis tallas.
“Trabajar con Vonn en la iconografía y la expresión formal del nuevo ambón de la iglesia de San Pablo en Pensacola, Florida, fue una experiencia enriquecedora. Vonn creó una nueva y poderosa interpretación de un tema iconográfico clásico. Los cuatro evangelistas que rodean las figuras de los santos Pedro y Pablo crean una “sacra conversazione” de diálogo entre ellos, con el Señor, que proclama el Evangelio, y con la congregación que escucha al Señor proclamado en el Evangelio. La fuerza de sus figuras, que capturan el espíritu de los evangelistas y los apóstoles de Roma, solo puede provenir de una profunda contemplación y conexión con los temas, y de un profundo dominio de su arte”. —Dr. Steven J. Schloeder, arquitecto, autor de Architecture in Communion (Ignatius Press)
“St. Francis of Assisi” ceramic sculpture by A.Vonn Hartung, commissioned by Ramón Rivera and Julie A. Thomas
St. Francis lived in the Holy Spirit. In a Gothic arch, a sign of the times in which he lived, St. Francis stands among the fallen and broken timbers of the abandoned San Damiano Church, scattered building blocks at his feet and the Cross of Damiano above, surrounded by his beloved birds and animals: the doves, songbirds, the lamb and the wolf symbolizing peace and harmony… the wolf tamed and throating harmony to Francis’ melody played on his lute and sung as Prayer.
At the core of Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodriguez’ spirituality (Pope John Paul II said) was his faith in the Resurrection. He promoted the Easter Vigil as the defining moment of Christian spiritual life, repeating often, “We live for that night.” (Vivimos para esa Noche)
Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodríguez Oil portrait by A. Vonn Hartung 2001
In 2001 I was deeply honored and humbled to be commissioned by the archbishop of San Juan, Monsignor Roberto González Nieves, to paint the official portrait of Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodríguez. Significantly, it was to be given as a gift from Puerto Rico to the Pontifical North American College in Vatican City. Indeed it is exhibited there in the Hall of Saints.
The Portrait is painted with various symbolic elements. They express a visual prayer that “speaks to the eye”. In other words, what was it that helped bring Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodriguez to such an intimate connectedness to our Lord and Savior? The absolute serenity and joy in Charlie’s look is the faith that we seek. It is the faith that seeks us.
