By  Darla McCammon
Lakeland Art Association

There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of paintings of the nativity. In some of them, historical evidence and the words of scripture are ignored, such as in the painting by Jan Gossaert de Mabuse titled, “Adoration of the Kings.”

In his painting, Mary is sumptuously dressed and in some kind of ornate castle while wealthy magi with their rich garb and bejeweled crowns look in worship and admiration to the small infant. Even the animals in his painting are upgraded from cows and stable animals to palace inhabitants such as the two aristocratic dogs in the foreground.

You can google the above title and take a look at this interpretation for yourself. Another painting caused quite a furor when it was created. Go to Google again and take a look at the work by Caravaggio (not to be confused by this week’s Correggio).  In Caravaggio’s depiction of Mary and the baby, the artist shows Mary as a very weary woman who has just  gone through the pangs of birth. People were outraged at this realistic view of the birth of Jesus.

Most of the art work is sincere, respectful and beautiful so I really cannot tell you my favorite out of all these hundreds. Many of them have merit and are exquisite. For this year, I want to share with you the work by an artist who became known, not by his real name (Antonio Allegri) but by the city where he was born — Correggio, Italy.

Correggio was born around 1490 and his father was a merchant. His uncle, Lorenzo Allegri, who was an artist, is thought to have begun the art training of Correggio.

I particularly appreciate the light effects in this work. Notice how you are immediately drawn to the center of the painting, where baby Jesus is enwrapped by his mother’s arms. The bright light emanating from Jesus and reflected on Mary’s face is almost too much for one onlooker, who seems to realize her life will change with this event.

How do you interpret her reaction to this brilliant light striking her face? Even the sheep and animals are impacted by this glorious light. Correggio brings our eye back again and again with his expert use of oil paint, canvas and brushes. This artist was considered one of the great masters of chiaroscuro, meaning he could create light within shadows and shadows within light, a technique that gave an ethereal glow to his work. In his genius, he helps us become part of this scene.

It is as if we are there. Correggio went on to become a renowned artist and created many hundreds of masterpieces. I hope you have enjoyed this four-week tour of seasonal masterpieces and I hope your Christmas shopping includes a moment of reflection about this very special season.

Upcoming and Current Events:

• The Kim Rieff exhibit is now up and hanging at Warsaw City Hall. Rieff is an excellent artist and directs and teaches art at Grace College. Come see her vivid and beautiful work. You can visit this gallery from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Main floor.
• Lakeland Art Gallery: Closed for the season. Watch for the grand opening at the new location. Stay tuned at Facebook or click here.

Contact your author/artist Darla McCammon at [email protected] or online or you can Facebook a connection at darmccammon. Happy holidays.