Continuing my thoughts on the works of the Italian renaissance artist, Piero della Francesca brings me today to a small painting displayed in the tiny Tuscan village of Monterci ,close to the artist’s home of Sansepocro For many years the fresco painting, Madonna del Parto was to be viewed in the small chapel of the cemetery. It was then rehoused in the vacant schoolhouse, fortunately with a little parking!
This is an extraordinary painting depicting a rather sleepy, austere looking Madonna wearing the obligatory blue gown, but it is split down the centre showing a light undergarment. It is clear she is pregnant. To her left and right stand an angel holding a damask canopy aside.
There are not many pictures of a Madonna with child. Sometimes the ordinary human aspects of Jesus life can get lost amid the spiritual elements of our faith. He was ‘born of woman’. He was human. He therefore knows what we are like. These are simple facts we can sometimes take for granted. Or even forget.
Each of us have experienced a host of life changing events throughout our lives. Many seem ordinary, such as the simple challenges of daily living. Others embed themselves in our minds and can recur in our dreams and musings. These last few months will have had lasting influence on most of us. For some it will have been a relief to do nothing for once. Others will have been bored to tears! Some will have suffered greatly. Many will have missed family and family events.
Jesus was part of a family and this picture reminds us clearly of that. He knows each of us and walks with us.
For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child.
Friends on earth, and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild.
Gracious God, to thee we raise,
This our sacrifice of praise.
STF102