Birth of the Virgin - Annie Moss
October 2010
This picture, painted circa 1504-08 by the Italian artist - Vittore Carpaccio, is absolutely mesmerising, and stunning in its colour and detail.
First it’s called ‘Birth of the Virgin’ and not the ‘Virgin Birth’. Second, from the detail of the painting she obviously comes from an upper class family. The rooms are positively luxurious and there are five servants in attendance, one of whom (probably the midwife) is holding the baby Mary whose head is encircled by a halo. The servants are dressed in gorgeous silks, brightly coloured and, obviously, very expensive.
There is a fireplace in the room, which looks almost modern, and on the mantelpiece there are expensive objects d’art. The bed has ornate vibrant coloured drapes. Above the mantel there is a plaque on which Hebrew words are written which translate as ‘Hear O Israel, The Lord our God, the Lord is One,’ which is still recited today in services in synagogues. There is obviously a mirror opposite the plaque, as the words are a mirror image, and I am amazed that there were mirrors in those days.
On the left of the painting stands the Rabbi, come to bless the baby. Around his head are the phylacteries containing the Ten Commandments and worn by orthodox Jews when praying.
This painting is fascinating inasmuch as, according to the scriptures it is portrayed that Mary came from humble beginnings, born in Nazareth of lowly parents, but an artist in the sixteenth century has seen her in an entirely different light. And how did she travel to Bethlehem with Joseph from Venice? (Howard says by Virgin Atlantic!)
I am very drawn to this picture, I have no idea why. Maybe because it is so diverse from the original story in the bible, or perhaps it’s because it shows absolute proof (according to Vittore Carpaccio) that Jesus was of Jewish origin. Finally, would such a high born lady marry (or be allowed to marry) a carpenter?
Researching the painting in the library:-
The two small rabbits in the background are symbolic of solitude, depicting the state of mind of Joachim and Anna,
Mary’s parents, before the arrival of their baby. Also emphasising the gentleness and humility of the Child Mary.
Researching the Internet:-
I brought up pages of information regarding the Birth of the Virgin. It was an absolute eye opener as there was
such a divergence of opinion between commentators, different Christian beliefs, historians and even pages of
diatribes from the public disputing and arguing about her virginity, as to whether she had been married to Joseph,
and, even if she was, had the marriage actually been consummated. Also there were differences of opinion as to
whether she had other children or not.
I don’t suppose we will ever know the truth – but I was certainly intrigued by the revelations of her birth, and some of the terrible consequences down through the ages created by Her and Her Son’s arrival.
It is good to be here in 2010 when some of the actual facts are being freely discussed and challenged. But one can’t help feeling sorry for all the martyrs who died and those who were persecuted for their beliefs down through the centuries.
I am not in the least artistic and have never been to an Art Gallery in my life. Neither have I ever ‘looked anything up’ in the library; nor on the Net. But I did for this painting and have thoroughly enjoyed the exercise. I have learned from this that nothing is gospel!