The Eye of the Lord (c.1862) by Georgiana Houghton is a powerful visual representation of divine omniscience, symbolizing the idea of God’s ever-present watchfulness over creation. The painting centres on an abstract eye-like motif surrounded by layers of vibrant, swirling patterns that seem to radiate outward, capturing the viewer’s attention with a sense of divine energy emanating from the piece. This eye represents God’s omnipotent gaze, symbolizing not only divine protection but also Houghton’s belief in the interconnectedness of all life. For Houghton, the painting was a profound expression of faith, designed to offer viewers a visual experience of God’s presence and remind them of the comfort and guidance that comes from divine oversight.
Houghton created The Eye of the Lord using a technique she referred to as spiritualist automatism, allowing her hand to move freely as if directed by spiritual forces rather than her own conscious control. Working with watercolour and gouache, she built complex, organic patterns and layers of colour that appear as if they are growing naturally from the centre of the painting. Houghton’s process involved entering a meditative state, in which she believed she was guided by spirits to convey messages from the divine realm. This intuitive approach to art was revolutionary for its time, producing compositions that flowed organically, unlike the structured, realistic styles popular in the Victorian era, and marking her as a precursor to abstract expressionism.
The symbolism within The Eye of the Lord is rich with Houghton’s interpretations of spiritual truths. The central eye motif represents the watchful presence of God, while the concentric, radiating lines evoke a sense of boundless spiritual energy extending across the cosmos. Each colour was deliberately chosen for its symbolic value: blue signifies divine wisdom, gold represents enlightenment and purity, and red speaks to divine love and power. These colours and patterns combine to create a visual narrative of God’s omnipresence and the belief that divine guidance is available to all. Through this painting, Houghton wanted viewers to feel connected to the divine, comforted by the idea that they are never alone but always under the watchful, loving gaze of the Lord.
Georgiana Houghton was an extraordinary figure in the 19th-century art world, deeply involved in the Victorian spiritualist movement that sought to connect with spirits and explore metaphysical ideas. Born in 1814, she began her art journey later in life after becoming involved in spiritualism, believing that her art was guided by spirits, including her deceased family members. Houghton viewed her paintings as collaborative efforts with spiritual entities, who she believed directed her hand to create complex compositions meant to convey messages from the divine. Her work was often dismissed as eccentric during her time, but Houghton remained steadfast, undeterred by the art establishment’s lack of understanding or appreciation. Today, she is celebrated as a pioneering figure in the evolution of abstract art, creating works that predate and foreshadow the abstract movement by decades.
The Eye of the Lord is now appreciated as not only a unique piece of art but also a spiritual meditation that challenges the viewer to consider the nature of divine presence. Houghton’s paintings have gained renewed recognition for their innovative approach to abstraction and their deeply spiritual undertones. In a modern context, The Eye of the Lord invites viewers to explore the relationship between art and spirituality, bridging the visible and invisible worlds. Through her dedication to her spiritual practice, Houghton’s art transcends her time, offering a timeless sense of divine protection and love. This work exemplifies her belief in art as a sacred channel for exploring profound truths, giving The Eye of the Lord lasting significance as both a spiritual and artistic achievement.
