I have wanted to paint this since I knew I was to be artist in residence at Lincoln Cathedral. It is, of course, the Christian nativity scene.
The shapes of the three pieces were designed to echo the west front doors of the Cathedral and the illuminated borders were inspired by one of the Cathedral’s own medieval manuscripts. The shepherds tend Lincolnshire longwool sheep, and the Cathedral is visble on the hill through the stable window. Setting a Biblical scene in familiar surroundings would have been common in medieval art. The design of the inner border in the stable scene was taking from the ceiling design of one of the Cathedral chapels.
Lincoln Cathedral Nativity triptych – 24 carat gold leaf, shell gold and watercolour.
Central image size 22 x 18cm, shepherds and kings 19.5 x 10.5cm.
The frames for these three pieces have been handmade from solid English oak by my husband.
Well, I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, you are in a league of your own Toni, absolutely stunning work.
x
Thanks Vanda! x
Dear Toni, I just lost my comment. I chair the Art & Environment Committee for St. Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg, Va. USA. We are currently building a Education and Staff Facilities with a dedication date of mid December. Our Pastor, Msgr. Timothy Keeney has requested that we provide Art for these two facilities. I am currently in contact with the Library at Lincoln to obtain images of Venerable Bede Manuscripts on his Homilies. Have you done any work on these? Also, I am intrigued by your work.I love the three images of the Nativity. What is the size and cost in US conversions. Until our next communication, Edith
Thanks so much for getting in touch Edith and for your kind comments. I’ll email details to you.