SandersonRuth Saints01 Cover sj Ruth Sanderson

The composition presents a central female figure rendered in a style reminiscent of Byzantine iconography, yet infused with elements suggesting a contemporary sensibility. She is positioned against a luminous, pale blue background, framed by a decorative border featuring stylized foliage and avian motifs. The color palette leans heavily on jewel tones – deep reds, greens, blues, and golds – contributing to an overall sense of richness and solemnity.
The woman’s gaze is direct and unwavering, conveying a quiet strength and perhaps a degree of melancholy. Her long hair cascades down her shoulders in flowing strands, echoing the curves of the decorative border and creating a visual rhythm throughout the image. She wears a richly detailed garment, predominantly red with intricate embroidery along the collar and sleeves; these details suggest both status and craftsmanship.
Flanking the central figure are two birds – one on each side – rendered in profile and depicted with an almost heraldic quality. Their presence introduces a symbolic layer to the work, potentially representing messengers or guardians. The text Saints: Lives & Illuminations is placed centrally above the woman’s head, suggesting a connection to religious narratives or biographical accounts illuminated through artistic expression. Below her portrait, the name “Ruth Sanderson” appears in an elegant script.
The artists use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and volume, while the flattened perspective characteristic of Byzantine art contributes to the image’s iconic quality. The combination of traditional iconography with modern stylistic choices suggests a deliberate attempt to bridge historical and contemporary perspectives, inviting contemplation on themes of faith, identity, and artistic legacy. The overall effect is one of reverence and quiet dignity, hinting at narratives of lives lived with purpose and illuminated by spiritual insight.