Gloria In Excelsis Deo-ss Robert Mccall

The composition presents a scene framed by monumental classical columns supporting an archway. The architecture is rendered in a warm gold hue, contrasting with the deep indigo and violet sky visible beyond the frame. This celestial backdrop is populated with stylized stars and what appear to be lunar bodies, creating a sense of vastness and otherworldly grandeur.
Below the arch, a landscape unfolds across a checkerboard patterned ground. The perspective leads the eye towards a distant horizon line punctuated by flags atop poles, suggesting a ceremonial or celebratory occasion. A central staircase ascends toward the symbolic space defined by the arch, drawing attention to the cross positioned directly beneath it. This cross is bathed in an intense light emanating from behind, further emphasizing its significance.
Scattered across the checkerboard floor are white lilies, their presence adding a layer of symbolism often associated with purity, innocence, and resurrection. The landscape itself appears idealized; rolling hills meet a hazy horizon, evoking a sense of serenity and timelessness.
The inscription arching above the cross – a phrase in Latin – reinforces the spiritual nature of the scene. It suggests an invocation or declaration of praise directed towards a higher power.
Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of faith, transcendence, and the intersection between earthly and divine realms. The deliberate use of perspective and light creates a hierarchical structure, positioning the cross as the focal point of spiritual aspiration. The checkerboard floor could be interpreted as a symbolic representation of duality or moral choices, while the lilies offer a counterpoint of hope and renewal. Overall, the work conveys a sense of solemnity and reverence, inviting contemplation on themes of belief and the search for meaning beyond the visible world.