
Christmas Stories - The Greatest Story Ever Told

by Charles Berger
Title
Christmas Stories - The Greatest Story Ever Told
Artist
Charles Berger
Medium
Painting - Acrylic On Cold Press Illustration Board
Description
The Virgin Mary was long relegated to obscurity by Christian fathers who wanted to ensure her presence did not overshadow Christ. For centuries, Mary was depicted as a stern, austere figure whose primary function was to call attention to her child as the Son of God. Her warmth and tenderness -- indeed, her most basic human qualities -- were largely ignored until the 14th century. In the 1300s, the celebration of Christmas began to move away from Church control. Peasants who could not read or understand the Latin hymns introduced songs of their own into the liturgy, with melodies based on dance rhythms and words sung in their native tongues. These simple people, craving an intermediary for their petitions to God, perceived Mary as someone who was like them and would be sympathetic to their needs and desires. St. Francis of Assisi found a way to make Mary and her son even more real to the people: he built the first creche scene of the Nativity, which was overwhelmingly popular. Medieval sculptors, painters and cathedral makers exalted the Mother of God, until the simple Nazarene girl was almost lost amid the elaborateness of the art that glorified her. During the Reformation, this adoration declined as many theologians, both Protestant and Catholic, were reluctant to seem as if they were elevating her to godhood. But devotion to the Mother was never-ending. Today the people of many lands depict her in their own image, amid trappings of their own cultures.
Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.
Artwork Copyright © 1977 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB05197
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April 24th, 2022
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