
Manger Under Christmas Tree

by Ed Little
Title
Manger Under Christmas Tree
Artist
Ed Little
Medium
Painting - Oil On Cold Press Illustration Board
Description
The Virgin Mary was long relegated to obscurity by Christian fathers who wanted to insure that her presence would not overshadow Christ. For centuries after the birth of Christ, 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 1300's, 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.
Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.
Artwork Copyright © 1990 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 XB12668
Uploaded
April 11th, 2022
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