This tiny treasure belonged to my grandmother, Evelyn Kerr. The base of the plated icon is stamped GERMANY. The brass case is a half-inch wide and a quarter-inch thick. I don't believe I ever saw it while Evelyn was still living, as I don't remember any discussion about it. I can't tell you how she came by it or how old it is. Her grandparents immigrated from Germany, so she may have gotten it from one of them.I doubt that she ever had as good a look at it as we're about to get via the miracle of digital technology:
I'm hoping one of my Catholic readers will be able to tell me this isn't the Virgin Mary with a really bad bowl haircut and the ugliest 48-year-old Jesus midget ever.Update:
A reader has identified this figure as Saint Anthony holding the Christ child. Not only that, she's provided a link to an excellent explanation of the story and symbolism behind it, which my grandmother would certainly have known. My understanding of my grandmother and my pleasure in having this tiny treasure are greatly increased. Thank you so much, Kathi!
4 comments:
I am thinking it is St Joseph and baby Jesus.
Hi Claudia, thanks for stopping by!
I agree that this looks more like a Joseph than a Mary. I don't think I've ever seen Joseph depicted without a beard though, and come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen him depicted holding the baby Jesus either. If that's who this is... hmm, that's pretty interesting!
T.K., I respectfully disagree. I think it is St. Anthony. He is most often depicted with the Infant Jesus. He appears to be wearing a monk's robes, and the haircut fits as well. Here is a link with the legend that I have always heard. http://www.s-infantjesus.org/?q=node/23
Kathi
Kathi, thank you so much for your comment, and for the link to the page which explains this little figure to a tee, I think. You're right, the figure does resemble the depiction of St. Anthony and Jesus on that page. I had also noticed, in this figure, the Bible that Jesus is resting upon, and that too is explained on the page you recommended. I greatly enjoyed reading the story behind it, and I'm sure my grandma would have known the story herself. Henceforth, the story and figure will be stored together. Thanks for enhancing the pleasure I feel in having this tiny treasure!
Post a Comment