This painting is based on the hymn, “Israel, Israel, God Is Calling” by Richard Smyth. I particularly like the line, “Israel, angels are descending from celestial worlds on high and to man their power extending that the Saints may homeward fly.” Into my mind pops the image of a celestial flight instructor, equipped with everything he might need to teach mortals how to fly. He would certainly require special flight balloons and an instructional flight scroll, as well as a winged helm and a jerkin embroidered with birds and feathers to lend credence to his aerodynamics.
