As we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany today, I looked at some of the many paintings that artists have produced over the centuries, and made these observations:
- All Kings are presented with elaborate outfits
and costumes, accompanied by a large retinue of attendants, servants and others
caring for their animals.
- All are kneeling down, a posture of humility and
respect, and some even prostrated, as the Gospels relate.
- Most are accompanied by camels, but some have
horses, as well as other animals like sheep and domestic dogs accompanying them.
- Since they are referred to as Kings, most of
them have crowns, but the majority of the paintings show them in turbans, a
popular headwear in the Middle East and Far East countries.
- Even though the gifts were for Jesus, the baby
is always shown being held by Mary, as if she wants to remain connected with
him, as any mother would after giving birth - thus showing respect to mother
and child.
- Most artists would place the face of friends to
the Magi, people who were wealthy or good to the community, as a recognition to
their benevolence and generosity.
- Beggars are also frequently included in the
painting, as if to take advantage of the wealthy Kings, begging for something,
for anything.
- Other gifts are also in the paintings, of lesser
importance, like fruit, animals, jewellery, clothing.
- The Star which the Kings followed led them to
the cave of Bethlehem, and even though it was not an astronomical phenomena, it
was a divine intervention, like the appearance of angels, which were sent by
God.
- The gifts are also very symbolic. All three gifts are ordinary offerings and gifts given to a king. Myrrh being commonly used for burial as an anointing oil, frankincense as a perfume, and gold as a valuable element.
No comments:
Post a Comment