A MYSTERY PAINTING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3190, 8 April 1911, Page 10

A MYSTERY PAINTING.

WEIRD WORK OF ART

A “mystery painting” which is now being shown dn London, and creating a remarkable amount of public curiosity and -artistic speculation, will, it is understood, be sent to Australia after the Coronation crowds in London have dissolved. It is called the Shadow of the Cross, and shows the figure of the Christ standing on the verge of the wilderness. There is a background of sky, dappled, with fleecy clouds and l of yellow sand. Viewed in an ordinary light the picture is not remarkable. It becomes remarkable when the light is partially -excluded. Then the figure of the Christ stands as a dark shadow against a backgrond which is distinctly luminous. And- behind the Christ there appears a cross. The luminosity of the picture is undeniable; it throws a faintlight into the room, so that the exhibitor, invisible when the painting is reversed, is clearly seen when the right side of the canvas is turned toawrds him. The Shadow of the Cross was painted by a young). Canadian named Henri Ault. The artist, it is said, perceived its strange effects on going into his studio after dark. He says that ho does not know how the shadowy ege-ss or the luminous hack-ground were produced. Several explanations have -boon offered. Firstly, the cross is undoubtedly formed by a pattern in the.clouds. Certain American psychologists declare that it- must be the work of the artist’s sub-conscious intelligence. And the luminous background ? , Possibly the artist has utilised a knowledge of chemistry. Or there may have been reactions in the pigments which have resulted in luminosity, .. N