being understood on paper

Thomas Merton (Father Louis, O.C.S.O.), Novice Master at the Abbey of Gethsemani, Trappist, Kentucy. Study by Victor Hammer, 1961, for a lost panel painting.

Toward the end of 1961, Merton was persuaded to sit for a portrait by Victor Hammer. The drawing Victor made is Merton as the archetypal monk – neither young nor old, reflective, elsewhere.

Merton wrote in his journal that day:

“The patient, human work of sitting and talking and being understood on paper. How different from the camera!”