Epiphany

Epiphany commemorates the first manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles, depicted here on a wooden panel by artist Richard Walker. In the centre of the composition, we see Mary and baby Jesus with halos. To the left we see the three Magi from the East. At first glance, this looks like a typical Nativity scene. But the artist grounds the painting in the local context by depicting the Virgin Mary with Asian features and one of the Magi in the garb of a traditional Chinese scholar. The painting was created during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore. It may be that the artist had intended to place the painting behind an improvised altar for Holy Communion services in the Changi prison chapel. After the war, the painting was given to the Anglican Diocese of Singapore, and later donated to the national collection.