Thursday, December 31, 2009

Virgin and Child

Virgin and Child
From the Book of Kells, Folio 7v
ca. 800
Trinity College Library, Dublin, Ireland

This picture is said to be the oldest (and possibly the most unflattering) existing image of the Madonna and Child in a Western manuscript. It was created by monks in Ireland.

You may not realize that Barry Gibbs, he of the Bee Gees and the feathered blond hair, was born in Ireland.

Coincidence? I think not.



Sunday, December 27, 2009

Madre della Consolazione

Madre della Consolazione
By Nikolaos Tsafouris
1490s
Tempera on canvas and oak, 73 x 55 cm
Private collection

If you get out a magnifying glass you can read the note on Squishy's scroll:

Dear Mommy,
Please feed me.
'Kthanksbye, S.J.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Madonna and Child

Madonna and Child
Detail from a fresco in the church of St. Giacomo in Livo,
Gravedono, Como, Italy

Mom, there's something I need to tell you. You are a great mother and you gave virgin birth to me and all.....but that top is totally unflattering.


Thursday, December 24, 2009

Madonna of the Strawberries

Madonna of the Strawberries
By an unknown German master
c. 1420
Tempera on wood
Kunstmuseum, Solothurn

I don't care if it is your birthday, you are so NOT going to wear your hair like that Jesus!



Sunday, December 20, 2009

Madonna and Child

Madonna and Child (detail)
By Neri di Bicci
1456
Altarpiece
St. James Cathedral, Seattle

Uh, is that the midsection of a baby? Or a middle aged man with a six-pack-a-day habit? Is he reaching for a beer he stowed inside Mary's red robe?

Saturday, December 19, 2009

The Adoration of the Magi

The Adoration of the Magi (detail)
By Peitro Perugino
Chiesa della Madonna delle Lacrime, Trevi, Italy

Is that a blessing you're making Squishy, or air quotes?

Friday, December 18, 2009

Madonna and Child

Madonna and Child
By Conrad von Soest
1420
Dortmund, Westphalia, Germany

You know, there are paintings like this that make the grueling efforts of blogging worthwhile. Thanks Conrad von Soest for making my day!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Mary of the Book with Christ the Blessing Child

Mary of the Book with Christ the Blessing Child
By Vincenzo Foppa
1464-1468
Painting on wood, 14.57 × 11.42 in
Musei d'Arte Civic Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco, Milan

Who says Squishy can't sport the gladiator look?

Sunday, December 13, 2009

The Christ Child and the Infant John the Baptist with a Lamb

The Christ Child and the Infant John the Baptist with a Lamb
By Bernardino Luini
1507 - 1532

Okay listen up Saint John the Baptist, this is important. You adore the sacred lamb. IT'S A METAPHOR.

Things are looking way to literal here. Not to mention icky.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Madonna and Child in the Garden

Madonna and Child in the Garden
By Cosme Tura
about 1460-1470
Tempera on panel, 53.4 x 37.2 cm
National Gallery of Art, Washinton

This painting is all sorts of awkward, and that's a good thing. Little Squishy is tuckered out and having a nap between his mom's knees. And, oh dear, the gold decoration on the top of the frame....it appears to be some elaborate torture devise, pressing down on Mary's metal halo onto her HUGE forehead.

Friday, December 4, 2009

The Virgin and Child with St. Anne

The Virgin and Child with St. Anne
1510-1530,
Stained Glass
Wilhelm-Hack Museum, Ludwigshafen, Germany

Here granny, I picked a carnation for you.
Awww, what a thoughful little boy. And those cheeks--I could just eat them up. Mwah! Mwah!