Allegory of Faith Painting

In Allegory of Faith, Martin announces his allegorical intent revealing a scene reminiscent of 17th Century Dutch art. The palette is bright and energetic and the six ballerinas backstage before a performance establish a mood full of anticipation. Beyond the symbolic references we are presented an archetypal moment of human emotion. The subject is the stage-fright of one young ballerina, her hands nervously clasped. Yet, Martin elects to center the painting around the five supporting ballerinas concealing the facial expression of the sixth ballerina. This introduces the invisible nature of faith. The circular grouping and the stairs help to create a classic pyramid composition employed so effectively by Renaissance painters. This compositional structure elevates the scene to a tender moment of human frailty, as if the group is literally floating on the palatable power of belief.