Left: Whole window. Right: Close-up of Ruth, in the left-hand light.
Ruth, Dorcas and Anna. W. F. Dixon (1848-1928). c. 1883. This three-light window is in the north wall of the north aisle of Llandaff Cathedral. Although trained with Clayton & Bell, Dixon's style evolved towards Art Nouveau, as the fluid lines of these figures suggest. On the right above is a closer look at the light showing Ruth with the sheaf of corn she has gathered (Ruth 2, 2), and one of the angels above her, in the top row. This one carries a cross to symbolise the redemption.
Left: The waif close to Dorcas. Right: The small scene below Dorcas, of a sick person in bed receiving loving attention.
Next to Ruth, in the middle, is the early disciple Dorcas with a plate of food, and one hand holding close a ragged child: Dorcas was known for her charitable work; and next to her, on the right, is the prophetess Anna, preaching from the scripture. The other two angels above the main figures hold, respectively, the heavenly crown to be earned by those like Dorcas, and an anchor, suggesting the faith of those like Anna. Above these, in the tracery lights, are angels playing harps.
The three scenes at the foot of the window.
The three scenes below the main figures illustrate acts of mercy, with texts from the Beatitudes, "Blessed are the pure in spirit," "Blessed are they that mourn" and "Blessed are the peacemakers."
Link to Related Material
Photographs by Colin Price with text by Price and Jacqueline Banerjee. You may use the images without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the photographer and (2) link your document to this URL in a web document or to the Victorian Web in a print document. [Click on the images to enlarge them.]
Bibliography
"Ruth, Dorcas and Anna." Gwydr Lliw yng Nghymru (Stained Glass in Wales). Web. 3 March 2023.
Created 3 March 2023