Merton's Celtic Cross
21/2 x 11/2 in. (6.4 x 3.8 cm)1¼ oz. (35.4 g)
18 in. (45.7 cm) cord
Thomas Merton is best known for his spiritual writings and ideas. Perhaps lesser known is the fact that he investigated other contemplative outlets. Among these are photographs and drawings. There are literally thousands of his drawings which are sometimes refered to as Mystical Doodles. They fall into various categories. Some are distinct and recognizable images; such as faces of St. Therese, images of monks and the crucified Christ, along with a series of sketches of St. John of the Cross, and landscapes of his monastery. The most provocative images, however, are the spontaneous ones which have come to be known as Signatures.
Since the general public has no real access to these images as they do his books,the Merton Center have decided to introduce a few of them in the form of bronze momentos. We have begun our series by presenting the calligraphic ink wash of Merton's Celtic Cross.