Mid River: The Bearer, 1995-8

Timothy Hyman RA (1946 - 2024)

RA Collection: Art

This is a complex allegorical painting which draws on many influences. It is a retelling of the story of Saint Christopher carrying the infant Christ across a river. There are, however, several layers of meaning.

The central figure represents the artist, but is in fact a portrait of the philosopher and novelist John Cowper Powys (1872-1963) who Hyman feels 'shaped' him. The child on his shoulder is an angelic' presence helping the artist through a difficult period of his life.

The river through which the artist strides is the Thames, with Tower Bridge visible in the distance, but the scattered figures suffering various indignities beneath his feet are reminiscent of tormented souls in a painting by Pieter Bruegel.