John Singer Sargent’s “Triumph of Religion” is a sprawling mural cycle adorning the third floor of the Boston Public Library’s old McKim building. On the surface, the series of highly detailed images connect pagan religions, the Hebrew prophets of old and the emergence of Christianity. But one panel, “Synagogue,” was the cause of much controversy when it was installed in 1919.
In “Synagogue,” a crown tumbles from the female figure’s head. A blindfold and a broken scepter point to a lost realm of faded glory.
The ruined features are thrown all the more into contrast when viewed next to the corresponding panel, Sargent’s “Church.”
In “Church,” the stoic leader is enthroned, bearing a host and chalice. A winged lion, an angel, an eagle and a winged bull attend her. The figure of a weary Christ relies on her for support…