For the third year in a row, the SFDS Stewardship Committee has worked with parishioner Ryan Fain on mailing out a Christmas Postcard to all Parishioners as well as to about 1000 other households in the 53147 zip code. It features a handy reference to all of the Christmas and Christmas Eve Mass times. We are very grateful to Ryan and his company, The Mailroom in McHenry, Illinois. Not only do they donate the printing of the card, but take care of the postage and addressing as well!The Adoration of the Magi actually appears to be the product of two artists; Fra Angelico may only have started the altarpiece, the greatest part of the work having been taken up by Fra Filippo Lippi.
Fra Angelico was a Dominican known for his great monastic devotion; his saintly deportment is mirrored in the quiet piety of his paintings. The representation of the Virgin Mary here characterizes his style in the pure, simple form of her head and the gentle refinement of her features. Fra Filippo’s earthy style appeals to the viewer in the portrayal of massive forms and well–articulated figures. In the Adoration, the richly attired wise men and their attendants, as well as the broad–faced Joseph beside the Virgin, are usually attributed to him.
While several elements of the painting can be seen as symbolic—for example, the peacock was considered a symbol of immortality—the Adoration can also simply be appreciated for its sparkling color, delightful details, and festive gaiety.