The reproduction on the cover of this number of the Bulletin of a woodcut by an unknown artist of the early years of the XV century, made to illustrate a Block-book (one in which the pictures were printed but the text written by hand) recalls the fact that the interpretations of the Christmas story have been many and varied through the centuries. It is natural at Christmas time to consider different representations of the story of the birth of Christ to be found in the Institute's collections. In the Print Department are many reproductions of prints of this subject, chiefly by the earlier masters, as well as several original prints by Dürer, Krug, Cranach, Goltzius, Strang, Dietrich and Morghen. In the Renaissance Room are three Christmas paintings, Perugino's "Nativity," the "Madonna and Child" by the master of the San Miniato Altarpiece, and the "Virgin and Child" by Patinir, depicting a scene in the flight into Egypt, closely associated with the Christmas legend. The almost personal charm of the first of these, not always to be found in the works of Perugino, suggests that the subject was one that appealed to him particularly. The adoring attitude of the Virgin, her hands clasped in awe and reverence, and her eyes cast down, is a figure as charming as any this Umbrian master ever painted.The lowing ox and the ass, turning his head as if even he felt the momentous importance of this event, directs further the spectator's attention to the figure of the Christ Child. The soft warm light that envelopes both the personages in the foreground and the distant Umbrian plain, across which Perugino so often looked from the heights of his own city, suggests the mystery and magic of the moment. The whole conception of this painting is one which through its poetic beauty appeals particularly at Christmas time.In the same gallery hands a small landscape painting by Patinir, in the foreground of which is the group of the Holy Family painted by Quentin Massys. The subject represents a delightful episode of the flight into Egypt, a part of sacred history that is surrounded with a wealth of legends. The picturesqueness of some of these, justifies their re-telling at Christmas time. One, for instance, related that when the Holy Family was passing through a thick wood all the trees bowed down before the Christ Child with the exception of the poplar tree which remained erect in unbending pride; whereupon the Christ Child cursed the tree, which began to tremble in all its branches and leaves, just as it does today. Later, at the divine command, a palm tree bowed its leaves to shelter the Virgin and Child, and once, as they rested in a grove of Sycamores in the village of Materea, a fountain sprang up miraculously to quench their thirst. Angels attended them, continually protecting them from the perils of the journey. The legend represented in the Institute's picture is concerned with the miraculous growth of the field of wheat. The Holy Family were closely pursued by Herod's soldiers, when they chanced to encounter by the road side, a man sowing wheat in a field. The Virgin spoke to him, saying that if anyone inquired if they had passed, he should answer: "Such persons came by when I was sowing wheat." Then, by a miracle, the Christ Child caused the wheat to spring up and ripen in one night. The next day, when the farmer was cutting it, those pursuing the Holy Family came up and asked if he had seen them. He replied as he had been told, with the result that the soldiers turned back, convinced that they had mistaken the road and the fugitives had gone elsewhere.In the painting, the Virgin is represented in the foreground, seated in front of a rocky mound, holding the Child in her arms. At the left, St. Joseph leans over a little pool to fill his water bottle. In the middle distance, at the right, is represented the miraculous field of wheat which grew up over night. The soldiers are questioning the farmer, who points to the field of golden wheat nearby. Other farmers are plowing the adjacent fields. In the background is a farm house, by which winds a narrow road. To the right, whence come the pursuing soldiers, there is a village where the soldiers are carrying out Herod's cruel orders to massacre the first-born of every family. Beyond the village, the country stretches out miles and miles into the horizon with winding rivers, walled cities, fertile valleys, and wooded hills, and in the distance are towering mountains.One test of the greatness of a picture is whether it continues to give pleasure over a long period of time or whether familiarity with it lessens one's pleasure in it. This charming picture with its beautiful landscapes, really the most important part of the picture, stands the test of time and frequent study. Its acquaintance can be renewed at no time more fittingly than at the Christmas season.Referenced Work of Art

1. Adoration of the Kings, from the Poor Man's Bible
   A German block-book of the XV century.