Epiphany
This detail from the 15th century alter of the Church of St Christopher in Kefermarkt, Upper Austria, shows one of the "Three Kings" presenting the Christchild with his gift of myhrr. The "Feast of the Three Kings", celebrated on the 6th of January and also known as the Epiphany, brings Christmastide to a close. Myhrr was used amongst other things for embalming. So here it symbolises Christ's mortality and forebodes his passion and cross. No wonder Mary presses the child to her breast as he opens and reaches into the casket. With her beautiful locks of hair showing forth under her veil, Mary has a sad but serene countenance, while Joseph, standing in the background, has an expression of deep concern. Only the page boy (upper left) seems unaware of the seriousness of the moment.
The unknown artist has the title of "Master of the Alter of Kefermarkt" (Meister des Kefermarkter Altars).
If you zoom in, you can see where woodworm has been at work!
Epiphany
This detail from the 15th century alter of the Church of St Christopher in Kefermarkt, Upper Austria, shows one of the "Three Kings" presenting the Christchild with his gift of myhrr. The "Feast of the Three Kings", celebrated on the 6th of January and also known as the Epiphany, brings Christmastide to a close. Myhrr was used amongst other things for embalming. So here it symbolises Christ's mortality and forebodes his passion and cross. No wonder Mary presses the child to her breast as he opens and reaches into the casket. With her beautiful locks of hair showing forth under her veil, Mary has a sad but serene countenance, while Joseph, standing in the background, has an expression of deep concern. Only the page boy (upper left) seems unaware of the seriousness of the moment.
The unknown artist has the title of "Master of the Alter of Kefermarkt" (Meister des Kefermarkter Altars).
If you zoom in, you can see where woodworm has been at work!