Hospitalitas Prosperitas John La Farge (1835-1910)

The composition presents a tripartite narrative rendered in stained glass, characterized by rich color and intricate detailing. The overall effect is one of opulent abundance and symbolic weight.
In the leftmost panel, figures are arranged around what appears to be a veranda or portico. A woman, draped in russet fabric, stands prominently, gesturing towards a group including a child held close. Her expression conveys welcome and generosity. Adjacent to her, another figure, also clothed in red, seems to offer sustenance – perhaps bread or fruit – to the gathered individuals. The presence of children reinforces themes of nurturing and communal support. A sense of movement is created by their varied postures and gazes directed outwards.
The central panel establishes a focal point with two figures seated upon an elevated throne-like structure. A woman, clad in flowing white robes, sits beside a man whose physique suggests strength and authority. He holds what appears to be a stylized globe or celestial sphere, hinting at dominion over the world or perhaps representing prosperity itself. The arrangement of these central figures implies a position of power and responsibility, suggesting they are the source of the hospitality depicted in the first panel. A child sits on the man’s lap, further emphasizing themes of lineage and inheritance.
The rightmost panel depicts a woman seated, her posture conveying dignity and perhaps a degree of solemnity. She holds an object resembling a cornucopia or horn of plenty, overflowing with fruit and foliage. Two children flank her, one reaching towards the abundance she offers. The color palette here shifts slightly to include more greens and yellows, evoking associations with harvest and fertility.
The decorative border framing each panel is composed of stylized foliage and geometric patterns in shades of blue and gold. This ornate framework serves not only as a visual boundary but also reinforces the sense of preciousness and ceremonial significance associated with the scene. The use of stained glass allows light to filter through, creating an ethereal quality that enhances the symbolic nature of the work.
Subtly, the arrangement suggests a progression: from welcoming reception (left panel) to authoritative governance (central panel) to the ultimate provision of abundance (right panel). This sequence implies a cyclical process – hospitality leading to prosperity, which in turn sustains and provides for future generations. The repeated motif of children throughout the composition underscores the importance of continuity and legacy within this system.