Portrait of the Teacher aka Rose of Sharon

"Portrait of the Master" is one of Victor Bregeda's most deeply religious paintings. The twelve small figures shown symbolize the twelve apostles, and also, represent humanity in general. These apostles have "climbed out" of the depths of mundane materialistic life (depicted at the very bottom of the painting, in dark colors), and they have reached a more enlightened and peaceful area of life.

The three pale yellow roses represent the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; roses, as always, symbolizing purity. The beautiful rose bush is like a magnet attracting all people. Delicate transparent bubbles rise up from the roses, as spiritual knowledge rises from the teachings of Christ, and percolates through everyday life. The leaves to the left of the roses rise up into the sky, symbolizing the connection of the wisdom of the earth with God's wisdom.

Of all the apostles, only one (seated figure) recognizes the face of Christ formed from the living trees and birds. This symbolizes that Christ is always present within the creation -- all around us every day -- and can be perceived if we look carefully.