The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1875-01-31


1t is difHcult to refrain from an Ora pre-
mobss." In large number Of these inspir-
ations OF faith and love, meet the various
floral emblems that typify her beauty and
purity. Some of the earliest representa-
tions are found In many Of the old Gothic
therein portrayed in position, bearing the
child on her left arm, while In the right
hand she hold q flower, or sometimes o
sceptre. In q holy family in the academy
OF Venice, by Bonifazio, ssThe virgin 10
seated in glory, with her infant on her
gpee, and encircled by cherubim. On one
SIDE an angel approaches with basket OF
flowers on his head, and she is in the act
OF taking these flowers and scattering them
ON the saints who stand below
The Arcadian and pastoral life, with
which many of the Italian artists environ
the mother and child, ia certainly both
poetical and natural. Mrs. Jameson gives
them, one by Philippine Lippi, which is a
beautiful idea. aHere," she says, "the
mystical garden 10 formed of q balustrade
beyond which is seen q hedge, all in blush
with roses. The virgin kneels 10 the midst
aud adores her infant an angel scatters
rose leaves over him, while the little st.
John also kneels, and four angels, in atti-
tudes of devotion, complete tho group
"But more perfect example, continues the
same author, "is the Madonna Of Francia
in the Munich gallery, where the divine
infant lies on the fowery turf, and the
mother standing before him, and looking
down on him, seems on the point Of sink
ing ON her knees in transport of tender
ness and devotion. With all the simpli-
city of the treatment, it is strictly devo-
tional. The mother and her child are
placed within the mystical garden enclosed
ia treillage Of roses, alone with each
other, and apart from all earthly associa-
tions, all earthly communione."
Those who are familiar with the Raphael
series of Madonnas will recall, in this con-
nection, his exquisite pastoral La Jardi
Mere. There is one also similarly entitled
by French artist, though differently
treated. The virgin is enthroned on clouds,
and holds the infant, whose feet rest on q
globe. Both mother and child are crown
ed with roses and on each side, as If ris-
ing from the clouds, are vases filled with
roses and lilies. Titan has also left many
beautiful and some exaggerated works of
the Arcadian school. There lie an old Cop
tic tradition which is very beautiful, and
bears somewhat on this subject Of natures
site of the ancient Heliopolis, there still
stands very pretty garden, in which (runs
the tradition) the holy family rested in
their flight into Egypt. Feeling oppressed
with thirst, o spring of fresh water gushed
at their feet, and on being pursued into
their retreat Dy r0OOere, sycamore-tree
opened, and hid them from sight. "The
spring still exists" says recent traveller,
'and the tree yet stands, and bears such
unmstakable marks of antiquity as to
make this tradition and faith of the present
generation of Coptics at least plausible"
But these floral emblematical tributes are
as inexhaustible as are the sentiments,
of love, homage, and tender pity that fill
the heart from the contemplation of the
Mater Del CENTRIC down to the appealing
anguish of the Dolorosa. "Thus in highest
heaven, yet not out of eight of earth
In beatitude past utterauce; in blessed
fruition of all that faith creates and love
desires; amid angel hymns and starry
glorries," we will leave enthroned the
"blesssd amongst women" and turn to
other legends, wherein the saints who
followed her stand crowned with flowers
celestial, awaiting share of our praise and
fCo1clndad next yvnAk