Family Portrait
Poland
S. Apriasz
Setting – Joe Barrish

This wood carved nativity from Cracow reminds us of a family portrait: the Holy Family with kings, shepherds and animals arranged in a close knit group under the aegis of a Gloria banner and a star. The plumb little figures with their broad faces and red cheeks are messengers of good health and prosperity. Their gifts are plentiful, lamb and rooster well-fattened, pots and coffers filled to the brim. Is the company of Jesus a warranty for good health and a fat wallet? Christmas representations of this kind originated mostly with the simple people of rural regions. Their images and sculptures reflected not so much what they had and who they were, but rather their needs and ambitions. It seems like a legitimate ambition to be part of the family portrait together with Jesus, Mary and Joseph. And if Jesus is the Savior of the whole human person, why shouldn't we portray those who are close to him with the red cheeks of good health?