Advent through Epiphany 2003-2004

Becky Witsell, 2 of 3
The Christmas Chasuble

From the earliest examples of Christian art, complex schemes of iconography have been devised where New Testament imagery is supported by imagery and inscriptions from the Old Testament. There are many Old Testament events that are seen to prefigure the birth of the Messiah. One such image is a reference in Numbers 17:8 in which Aaron's rod brings forth buds and blossoms.

The Christmas chasuble combines four symbols in its center panel to illustrate the Incarnation. Reading from neck to hem, they are : rays of light from the star of Bethlehem, Aaron's rod miraculously blooming, the first letters for the Greek phrase YASOUS CHRISTOS THEOU HYOS SOTER (Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior) which identifies the newborn child and a shaft of wheat. In Gothic painting of the Nativity, artists often show a bundle of wheat at the foot of the manger to identify and pre-figure the child as "the bread of life".
The simplicity of imagery, the uncomplicated drawing, and the choice of wool and coarsely woven silk evoke the lowly conditions of Jesus' birth.

Also by Becky Witsell
1: Advent Banner >
3 : The Epiphany Chasuble >