Large Vertical Jonah

Three aspects of the life of Jonah are represented in this painting: from left to right, 1.) His submersion in the sea after he was thrown from the ship while trying to escape God's command to preach redemption to the Ninevites(Jo: 2:5). 2.) A triumphantly posed Jonah emerging from the belly of the monster---evoking Christ, emerging from the belly of the earth after the crucifixion (Mt. 12: 39-41) 3.) The disconsolate Jonah, seated under the tree which God used to instruct his prophet about compassion for His people (J0 4: 5-11).  The composition is divided with cool colors on the left and warm colors on the right---suggesting Jonah's "divided heart."  What holds the two sides together structurally are the outstretched arms of the top figure, a symbol of the last and greatest prophet, the Son of God.