A Rare Find: The Painting and the Theme

[Originally published on 3/7/07]

I came across a beautiful early 15th century Epiphany painting on my recent trip to the Getty Museum. It was not until I started reading my notes and researching at home that I realized this was a recent, precious acquisition.

According to the press release of May 21, 2004:

The Getty has acquired The Adoration of the Magi with Saint Anthony Abbot (about 1390–1410), a rare and masterful example of the International Gothic style that dominated taste across Europe around 1400. The work is one of very few northern European panel paintings of this period in any American museum.

This elegant piece was probably commissioned for a church institution honoring St. Anthony.

Densely covered with a silver (originally gold) floral motif, The Adoration of the Magi's vibrant red background serves as a magnificent foil for the animated procession of figures. At the center, enthroned in his mother's lap, the new King stands to receive the offerings of the Magi. Caspar, kneeling bareheaded in reverence, offers his gift of gold, with Balthasar and Melchior standing behind him. The three wise men are all resplendently dressed. Their clothing mirrors contemporary court sensibility while alluding to their far-flung kingdoms, suggested in part by the white "turban" worn by Melchior. At the far left stands Saint Anthony Abbot, identified by the T-shaped staff, a bell with which he repelled Satan, and a pig traditionally associated with his treatment of skin conditions.

The eyes of the characters are so striking for their liveliness. They have an aspect of seeking and reverence. And the Child seems almost surprised to see these subjects. The Virgin gazes directly on her Son. The starry background is prominent with its regal warmth. The site also offers pre-restoration pictures which show how much work it took to bring out the beauty of this extraordinary painting.

The Meeting of the Three Kings

[Originally posted on 3/6/07.]

At the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, there is a very striking painting just adjacent to The Coronation of the Virgin by Gentile de Fabriano. The picture of The Meeting of the Three Kings with David and Isaiah is attributed to the Master of the St. Bartholomew Altarpiece, a Netherlandish artist from before 1480. This artist from Cologne was known for his independent style.

I spent some time looking at the three kings from foreign lands and their servants who meet suddenly at a desolate mountain pass. We think of them traveling together to worship the Child Jesus, but they start from distant countries of origin. The star has brought them to this meeting point and they will continue their journey together. David and Isaiah are depicted with their scrolls because the artist identifies this place as where the entire message of salvation comes together like pieces of a puzzle. The tableau suggests that here these three wise men share their knowledge and the journey to find the One all humanity has been waiting for.

A Rare Find: Both the Painting and the Theme

I came across a beautiful early 15th century Epiphany painting on my recent trip to the Getty Museum. It was not until I started reading my notes and researching at home that I realized this was a recent, precious acquisition.

According to the press release of May 21, 2004:

The Getty has acquired The Adoration of the Magi with Saint Anthony Abbot (about 1390–1410), a rare and masterful example of the International Gothic style that dominated taste across Europe around 1400. The work is one of very few northern European panel paintings of this period in any American museum.

This elegant piece was probably commissioned for a church institution honoring St. Anthony.

Densely covered with a silver (originally gold) floral motif, The Adoration of the Magi's vibrant red background serves as a magnificent foil for the animated procession of figures. At the center, enthroned in his mother's lap, the new King stands to receive the offerings of the Magi. Caspar, kneeling bareheaded in reverence, offers his gift of gold, with Balthasar and Melchior standing behind him. The three wise men are all resplendently dressed. Their clothing mirrors contemporary court sensibility while alluding to their far-flung kingdoms, suggested in part by the white "turban" worn by Melchior. At the far left stands Saint Anthony Abbot, identified by the T-shaped staff, a bell with which he repelled Satan, and a pig traditionally associated with his treatment of skin conditions.

The eyes of the characters are so striking for their liveliness. They have an aspect of seeking and reverence. And the Child seems almost surprised to see these subjects. The Virgin gazes directly on her Son. The starry background is prominent with its regal warmth. The site also offers pre-restoration pictures which show how much work it took to bring out the beauty of this extraordinary painting.

The Meeting of the Three Kings

At the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, there is a very striking painting just adjacent to The Coronation of the Virgin by Gentile de Fabriano. The picture of The Meeting of the Three Kings with David and Isaiah is attributed to the Master of the St. Bartholomew Altarpiece, a Netherlandish artist from before 1480. This artist from Cologne was known for his independent style.

I spent some time looking at the three kings from foreign lands and their servants who meet suddenly at a desolate mountain pass. We think of them traveling together to worship the Child Jesus, but they start from distant countries of origin. The star has brought them to this meeting point and they will continue their journey together. David and Isaiah are depicted with their scrolls because the artist identifies this place as where the entire message of salvation comes together like pieces of a puzzle. The tableau suggests that here these three wise men share their knowledge and the journey to find the One all humanity has been waiting for.

Magi of Christchurch, Dorset

Christchurch, Dorset
Uploaded on June 29, 2006
by Oxfordshire Church Illustrations

"Detail of nativity from Jesse Tree reredos at Christchurch Priory.The Magi, or wise men are recorded in St.Matthew’s gospel, they first visited Jerusalem to enquire about Him who had been born King of the Jews. Eventually their caravan arrives in Bethlehem the town prophesied as the birthplace of the messiah. They are depicted in this touching carving with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh."

How La Befana Missed Out

Bishop Dennis Schnurr gave a homily (2004) explaining the witch figure in the nativity scene visiting the Christ Child.

The Italian tradition from the 13th century relates that the three Wise Men visited the home of La Befana on their way to see the Child Jesus. La Befana extended to them every hospitality, and they stayed in her home for the night. The next morning, they invited her to come along with them on their journey. She politely turned them down since she had so much housework to do. (I say: anything before housework!)

Later she regretted her decision, realizing she had missed seeing the baby Jesus. She started her endless journeying from house to house, seeking Him, and bringing presents to the children in case one might be Him.

The central lesson, as the bishop pointed out, was that La Befana missed the opportunity that came with the invitation. We could miss Christmas, for all the attendant activities we get involved in, like shopping and decorating.

I thought of the way various invitations which seem small can be so much more and how readily I turn them down. It happened a week ago that after about the 12th email invitation for volunteers for a student pancake feed I finally decided to go. It was a great time and little trouble, I met some new people, and we showed the students our support as they prepared for finals.

There are so many Gospel texts warning us to be ready for the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13) and to not be like the guests who don't show up for the wedding (Mt 22:1-14). They are newly married or just bought a field (Luke 14:15-24). They are the ones who decide how they will spend their time; they know best how to manage their lives.

These parables are all about an invitation (Mt 21:23-25) that comes from Another. They are about being ready for that final moment, death. But that large invitation comes after thousands of tiny ones. It might be that we hate to pick up the phone and there's someone waiting to talk, or maybe we can think of other people who need that prayer service more than ourselves.

There is a necessary discernment we have to make with all the invitations that come our way. However, I find that our first impulse is to treat nearly every proposal, including retreats and other faith-building events, like just one more extra-curricular activity. Like La Befana, we risk to miss the big event.

The original invitation, like the one offered to La Befana, is to "come and see", as Fr. Giussani describes it in "Generating Traces in the History of the World".

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them,"Come, and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. (John 1:35-39)

La Befana - An Italian Christmas Tradition