Artist Hans Feibusch
Accession number 1994-21
The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews reminds readers, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13.2). This statement is based on the story of Abraham providing hospitality to three visitors, two of whom prove to be angels on their way to warn/destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. The other is described as ‘The Lord’, often understood to be God, who engages Abraham in debate.
As a migrant, Hans Feibusch was one who received hospitality from others; most famously the support and help of Bishop George Bell, which resulted in Feibusch becoming responsible for more murals in Church of England churches than any other artist in its history. However, if we follow the logic of the story and the Hebrews statement, it is the one who gives hospitality that encounters angels. So, in the story of Feibusch and Bell, it is Bell who has the privilege of entertaining the angel Feibusch and it is the Church of England that is blessed through the angelic artwork of Feibusch. In his glorious painting, Feibusch shows us the three visitors revealed in vibrant colourful glory. His painting shows the blessing that visitors, perhaps especially visitors who are migrants, bring. Those who provide hospitality do a wonderful thing but, in their turn, receive something that is of greater value still.
