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RELIGIOUS WORKS BY HAIDT ON EXHIBIT IN WHITEFIELD HOUSE

Morning Call - Allentown, Pa. Author: The Morning Call

Copyright Morning Call Feb 20, 1994

A Lenten exhibit, "John Valentine Haidt: Life of Christ," opens today in the Whitefield House Museum, 214 E. Center St., Nazareth.

A reception and open house is scheduled 2-5 p.m., and museum admission is free today.

The exhibit features 24 religious paintings from 1755 to 1774, according to Susan Entstrasser, guest curator. Featured paintings are drawn from collections of historical societies in Bethlehem and Nazareth.

The last large exhibit of Haidt's work was held in 1982 in Bethlehem and displayed 20 paintings including religious subjects and portraits of founders of the Moravian religion, Entstrasser said. The new exhibit focuses on Haidt's religious paintings.

Haidt (1700-1780) began his art career in the Herrnhaag Moravian community in Germany when hewas 45 years old. He settled in Bethlehem in 1755. A preacher, Haidt saw painting as of secondary importance, but still viewed painting as a way to serve God. His paintings were used as teaching devices for Moravian churches and mission chapels among the Indian nations and the other mission fields. Many of the paintings featured were part of church collections, Enstrasser said.

Many of Haidt's painting subjects were of Christ's Passion including the Crucifixion, Christ in Gethsemane, Christ wearing a crown of thorns, and the lamentation over the dead Christ.

Gallery talks will be held in conjunction with the exhibit during March. Attorney Walter L. Peters of Nazareth, will present his talk "Jesus of Nazareth: The Passion of Christ" at 7:30 p.m. March 21 and 2 p.m. March 23.

Entstrasser will present her lecture "Haidt's Visual Portrayal of Biblical Scenes" 2 p.m. March 2, 6 and 17 and 7:30 p.m. March 14.

The exhibit is open 1 to 4 p.m. daily. Admission is $2 for adults; $1 for students and free for children under 5 and for Moravian Historical Society members.

The museum will be closed tomorrow, President's Day Good Friday (April 1), and Easter Sunday (April 3).

For information, call 759-5070.

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