It's Still Christmas

For all intents and purposes, Mexico's Christmas season ends with the Day of the Magi Kings (Epiphany) on January 6th.  However, the season technically ends with the Feast of Candelaria (Candlemas) on February 2nd.  So, it was no surprise that the Museum of San Carlos, Mexico City's museum of European art, is running a special exhibit entitled "Nativity" up until that date.  The show presents a number of paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries that depict the events of the Nativity.

Last week I paid another visit to the museum which is housed in an 18th century colonial palace, with a distinctive circular courtyard.

The Bible presents a very sketchy description of the birth of Jesus, so much was left to the painters' imaginations when they depicted those events, although there were certain norms that they were expected to follow.

Most of the pictures in the exhibit are done by anonymous artists.

 "The Annunciation"

circa 1530

"The Annunciation"

by Flemish painter Willem van Herp

circa 1650

"The Adoration of the Shepherds"

circa 1620

 "Adoration of the Shepherds"

artist and date unknown

  "Nativity"

by Spanish painter Sebastián Gómez

circa 1690

Who is the other woman?  Mary's mother?

The Bible only speaks of  "wise men (or magi) from the east", but in later centuries, details about the magi were created.  Because three gifts were given it is assumed that there were three of them.  Because their gifts were costly, it was assumed that they were kings.  They were even given names, and although the Bible says that they came from the east, in subsequent tradition, Gaspar came from Europe, Melchior came from the Middle East, and Balthasar came from Africa.

"Adoration of the Holy Kings"

artist and date unknown

"Adoration of the Kings"

16th century

"Adoration of the Magi Kings"

by Flemish painter Gerard Seghers

circa 1630