Rest on the Flight to Egypt, panel from Grabow Altarpiece

Rest on the Flight to Egypt, panel from Grabow Altarpiece
by Master Bertram
1383
Paint on wood
Kunsthalle, Hamburg

Sometimes I wish I could talk with an artist, and in this case I have a few burning questions for Master Bertram:

1. Okay, so thing in Jesus's mouth is obviously a breast. So what the heck in Joseph's mouth--a detachable breast?

2. Mary and Joseph are fleeing to Egypt, so what is the key for that's dangling from his man-purse?

3. Why is Joseph holding a cymbal? Perhaps to entertain the family on that long donkey ride to Egypt?

4. Why are Mary's hands so huge?

5. Why does Mary get a fancy polka dot halo but not Jesus?

5. Why is the donkey eating a ball of dirt?

6. Does Jesus have a buzz cut, or a toupee?