Artist Statement:
P.1 of my mini series “The Lost Language of Symbolism” inspired by Alonzo Gaskill’s book.
Slowly I’ve been researching and painting temple symbols and am excited to try and teach a bit about them in upcoming posts.
I want to begin with one that I have found VERY interesting. “The Seal Of Melchizedek” as painted above.
Let me try to simplify this for you. Because it’s COMPLICATED.
-the symbol is of two interlocking squares and sometimes includes a circle inside.
-Many interpret this symbol to represent Melchizedek, and in turn, higher priesthood power.
-this symbol is seen on many ancient murals in which Melchizedek is present.
-but how do we know that this seal represents Melchizedek?
-SPOILER ALERT: it kind of.. well....doesn’t! At least anciently it doesn’t.
-The symbol was first mistakenly named “The Seal Of Melchizedek” in a book written by a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1992.
-After the publishing of this book, members of the church quickly adopted this symbol as “The Seal of Melchzidech”
-Years later, scholars agree that this symbol has no ancient relation to Melchizedek.
HOWEVER
-Although the symbol is not connected to Melchizedek, it IS seen on the fabric of the alter in ancient mosaics. So we can assume it is a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice.
-it is an 8 pointed star
-The combination of the number 8 (a symbol we have shown to be closely linked to Christ) and the symbolism of a star (also strongly tied in scripture to Jesus) suggests that the eight-pointed star is most likely a representation of the Savior.
-It appears in all cases to be Christocentric rather than Melchizedek-centric.
-MY POINT- as a culture we literally made up our own symbol. But guess what. THAT is the beauty of symbolism. To be continued....
Read a more detailed article titled, “The Seal Of Melchizedek” on BYU.edu
Printed on #100 matte
Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
Giclée printing quality
All prints fit into standard frames
Shipping: Typical turn-around time is 7-14 business days. The most common turnaround time for orders to ship is 2-5 days.
Each print is safely packaged in a sealed clear plastic sleeve
Sizes 5x7", 8x10", and 11x14" arrive in flat, cardboard envelopes and large sizes arrive in sturdy shipping tubes.
