Title

The Journey no.7.

Author

Author not identified

Source

[Not applicable]

Type

About the work

Language

English

Country of context

Australia

Full text

The journey no.7.

The journey no. 7 is one of Griffin’s more iconographically complex prints of the series. Although this image does not appear to relate to an easily identifiable anthroposophical theme, it could symbolise an oracular ceremony, as the forces of the earth are called forth. The three illuminated figures, crouching at the base of a cave-like form, appear to be sheltering their faces, as though what is exposed is too bright to be born. A fourth figure watches cautiously from the shadows. Griffin would undoubtedly have read Steiners’ interpretation of the Mysteries, in his books such as Christianity as Mystical Fact (1801-02). In this, Steiner expounded on the secret rituals and doctrines based on the old religions, particularly Greek and Egyptian. The print demonstrates the use of heavy opaque inks which sit on the surface of the hot pressed paper and partially obscure the forms beneath. These layers bear some resemblance to the anthroposophical veil paintings, which comprise layers of built-up colour. This print was purchased by the National Gallery of Australia in 1966.

© Alisa Bunbury, 1998.