medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Isn't this reflecting the usual practice for giving birth? (Shame about the
Chartres tunic, though!)
I haven't come across a Nativity with the BVM actually naked - but an
illuminated MS in the National Library of Wales shows Mary shortly after
the birth, lying under a lovely Welsh tapestry coverlet but with her
breasts showing, and the swaddled baby on her lap. There's a reproduction
of it in Jane Cartwright's book Y Forwyn Fair, Santesau a Lleianod and
another (rather small and difficult to see the detail) in Peter Lord's new
book in the Visual History of Wales series, Medieval Vision.
The depiction of the birth of the BVM in stained glass at Gresford in North
Wales has St Anne lying in bed after the birth with her breasts showing.
Maddy
Dr Madeleine Gray, in the foothills of God's golden county of Gwent
School of Humanities and Science, UWCN Caerleon Campus
PO Box 179, Newport NP18 3YG. Tel: +44 (0)1633.432675
He that is down need fear no fall,
He that is low no pride ....
(John Bunyan)
History at UWCN: http://timezone.newport.ac.uk
Gwent County History Association website:
http://gwent-county-history-association.newport.ac.uk
Cistercian Way: http://cistercian-way.newport.ac.uk
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