Christmas Carols & songs – The Living Room

Once again the mystery and magic of Christmas can be felt all around us. We may have become a bit cynical about the commercial aspects of season’s giving, but all the hectic and noise are a useful contrast to what … Continue reading →

I have been drawn to this wondrous piece of art work Jan Van Eyck’s ” Crucifixion and Last Judgement” Today is the feast of Epiphany. Where I live the church year is still observed and January 6th, the Feast of … Continue reading →

Geertgen tot Sin’s Madonna with child, ca 1480 in the Netherlands,  about 40 years after Van Eycks death. Fascinating symbolism, complemented by the sacred music of a 16th century Venetian…. Giovanni Gabrieli: Beata es virgo Maria Latin text Beata es, … Continue reading →

Last year I was drawn to Giotto’s breathtaking expressions of the Madonna and child. This Christmas I am marveling at the beauty of Van Eyck’s take on the symbolism of the Birth and the Mother’s Love for her child. This … Continue reading →

A little pre-Christmas treat: Van Eyk’s Lucca Madonna with a beautiful Josquin motette…. Enjoy… Josquin Desprez, Virgo prudentissima Virgo prudentissima quo progrederis quasi aurora valde rutilans filia Sion, pulchra ut luna, electa ut sol O most wise virgin, where are … Continue reading →

Giotto’s masterpiece. Happy Christmas everyOne Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht! Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht! Alles schläft, einsam wacht Nur das traute, hochheilige Paar. Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar, Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh, Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh. Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht! Gottes … Continue reading →

Some more angelic creatures as perceived by the ” imagician” Giotto Bondone… Hark ! the herald angel sings

This is Giotto’s beautiful Ognissanto Madonna, originally painted for a Franciscan church in Florence. The Italian title of the painting is “La Maestà di Ognissanti”, pointing to the  the majestic quality of the logos or wisdom, giving birth to everything. Johann … Continue reading →

This is one of the altar pieces of the Parish Church  St Wolfgang, Austria. The artist is Michael Pacher (ca 1430 – 1498) and this beautiful scene is complemented with a traditional Christmas carol from the area. Its a shepherd’s … Continue reading →

A Giotto angel…one of his wondrous, birdlike creatures. Maybe this is how people saw them in the early 14th century ? Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous … Continue reading →