Psalm 24 is a capsule re-telling of David’s establishment of his Kingdom. Elements of this Biblical passage are said to have inspired the “one nation under God” creed within the Pledge of Allegiance. In George Thomas‘s painting, the notion of purity is once again juxtaposed against images of abundance and commerce. Niagara Falls (the most popular North American honeymoon destination for the Greatest Generation, and a location that served as the origin point for a great deal of Baby Boomers) is filled with references to 1960s and 70s pop culture, occupying the bottom-right as a form of cultural vanitas.
This piece is available only as a single artist proof from a digital lithograph edition.
Psalm 24
1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it on the seas
and established it on the waters.
3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not trust in an idol
or swear by a false god.
5 They will receive blessing from the Lord
and vindication from God their Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, God of Jacob.
7 Lift up your heads, you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty—
he is the King of glory.
