More on Advent 1

Here are some thoughts (via Pete Majendie) on the Advent 1 postcard art image;
The Madonna del Parto

Piero Della Francesca

C.S. Lewis explained the right way to look at a work of art when he said "We sit down before a picture in order to have something done to us, not that we may do things with it. The first demand any work demands of us is to surrender. Look. Listen. Receive."

"By venerating Mary (not worshiping her of course), we come more fully to know who we are; simple humans, like Mary, called upon to bear Christ in our bodies, through our lives, to our world, whispering “I am the Lord’s servant." Brian McLaren.

These quotes help me to look at art in general – the Mclaren quote this painting in particular. For me this painting speaks of the humanity of Jesus (I think the divineness is more readily recognised and accepted)– the ordinariness and vulnerability of Mary.
Mary – pose – natural gesture (hands on hip and belly – the pregnant lean).
Apprehension and distracted look beneath half-closed eyes
Looking down at unlaced antenatal gown - the long white gash shape is reminiscent of the wound inflicted in Christ’s side. It has been described as vaginal in shape, representing new birth – Christ being born in us.

There is a long history of two angels holding open drapes (Angels are mirror images) - signifies revelation, usually of a body, but here reveals new life.
Also depicts tabernacle – (eleven curtains of goat hair – Exodus 36:8,14 )

Symmetry of figure alludes to her role as a mystical tabernacle – keeper of the Holy of Holies – bearer of the New Covenant

Paintings of pregnant Mary are rare (8) - were banned during Reformation and destroyed during 16th & 17th Centuries – this one, in a tiny rural village, was protected by local women.
Original picture not all there -detached from wall and moved.

Piero was famous as a mathematician. His book on perspective greatly influenced Leonardo Da Vinci. The painting depicts the complete Gospel story.