Seraphim

Albert W. Wein

Albert W. Wein is best known for his sculpture and painting but, in 1964, while in California, he did a small number of lithographs, printed at UCLA with the help of his wife Deyna. Many of the prints were subsequently lost and are now rare.

Albert W. Wein’s “Seraphim” combines the sensibilities of his primary medium - sculpture - and applies them to the plate using the style he was best known for: heavy, angular Abstract Expressionism. The image on the sheets appears to be a figure unfolding outward, as if to unfurl the wings it bears on its body; a crown-like shape rests on its head. The image, while almost harsh in its composure, still interjects an air of a welcome, open embrace, as if Wein meant to show the dark and light, the balance, of all things.

The seraphim (fiery, burning ones) are angelic beings associated with the prophet Isaiah’s vision of God in the Temple when God called him to his prophetic ministry (Isaiah 6:1-7). Isaiah 6:2-4 records, “Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’ At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.” Seraphs are angels who worship God continually.

For more information go to the website: www.albertwein.com/