According to an apocryphal Gospel, Joseph had summoned help in a moment of anxiety before the birth, and it arrived in the form of one or two midwives, who helped by bathing the Christ Child. Artists in bygone centuries have sometimes included a midwife in their portrayals of the Nativity.
Sometimes only one midwife is shown --
Nativity, ca. 1350, by the Master of Hohenfurth
Nativity, ca. 1400, by an unknown Flemish Master
And sometimes two midwives are shown at work --
Nativity, ca. 1400, by an unknown Austrian Master (two midwives)
In yet another convention, an artist combines the Nativity scene with an Annunciation to the Shepherds. One midwife is sometimes shown in these composite scenes as well --
Nativity, 1304-06, by Giotto
Or, again, two midwives might appear in one of these dual scenes --
Nativity, 1st half of 14th century, by Pietro da Rimini (bottom of painting)
Nativity, 1308-11, by Duccio
Finally, in yet another variation, an artist might combine the Nativity, two midwives and an Adoration of the Shepherds --
Nativity, 1420, by Robert Campin (Master of Flemalle)
The proportion of the midwives is interesting. How are you?
Posted by: Michelle | December 19, 2005 at 08:48 AM