In this painting, the artist brings to life the lament of Jesus over Jerusalem as recorded in Matthew 23:37. The scene is charged with emotion, capturing the sorrow and longing expressed in the words, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem."
An olive tree stands prominently at the forefront, its branches and leaves intricately detailed. This tree symbolizes Jesus Christ and parallels his atonement, echoing the imagery of an olive press where olives are crushed to produce precious oil, much like Jesus' suffering and sacrifice.
The background reveals a panoramic view of Jerusalem, focusing on the temple mount, its ancient walls, and buildings depicted in meticulous detail. The cityscape is bathed in the warm, golden light of sunset, casting long shadows that suggest both the city's beauty and impending doom. The sky is a blend of yellows, oranges, pinks, and blues, mirroring the intense emotions of the scene.
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The holy city is a place that personally holds deep meaning to the artist, having lived there in 2010. There is nothing quite like the colorful light bouncing off Jerusalem’s white limestone buildings at sunset—it stirs the soul and inspired the colors in this piece. This work is a tribute to the Savior’s love and Amberlea's enduring connection to Jerusalem.