Art historian with an interest in visual messages
It is only a couple of days to Christmas Eve and two thousand years ago Joseph and Mary were probably heading to Bethlehem to be counted for the census called by Caesar August. Their arrival in Bethlehem is not one that is usually recorded visually, but there are a few marginal images hidden in some… Continue reading Mary & Joseph arrive in Bethlehem
The narrative explores the early lives of Mary’s parents, St Anne and St Joachim, as depicted in historical manuscripts and religious art. Despite their absence in the canonical Bible, their story, including themes of barrenness and divine promise, is significant in Christian tradition, and recognized in Islam, illustrating their cultural impact across faiths.
In Christmas week our focus is on the birth of Christ on Christmas day, but the story really starts nine months earlier with the visitation of an angel to a young woman. The angel is Gabriel, who reveals to a young woman called Mary that she has been chosen by God and will bear a… Continue reading The Annunciation
On a chilly November Sunday night the congregation of the chapel royal at Hampton Court Palace experienced a religious service last held over 400 years ago during the reign of Mary I when the form of liturgy used in the royal chapels was the Catholic Use of Sarum. Thomas Tallis (1505-1585), Gentleman of the Chapel… Continue reading Hampton Court Chapel – sung Eucharist by Thomas Tallis
Today we are used to seeing the English royals on TV, in photos on social media, and on the front of our newspapers. Back in the 16th century the royal family were rarely seen in public, therefore their faces were mostly unknown except by the social elite of the court. If I were to ask… Continue reading Thomas Cromwell (1495-1540): Creator of the “Tudor Brand”
Melanie V Taylor 