Artwork Page for Mary and Joseph Travel to Bethlehem (folio 24 verso), from a Mirror of Holiness (Mir’at al-quds) of Father Jerome Xavier

Details / Information for Mary and Joseph Travel to Bethlehem (folio 24 verso), from a Mirror of Holiness (Mir’at al-quds) of Father Jerome Xavier

Mary and Joseph Travel to Bethlehem (folio 24 verso), from a Mirror of Holiness (Mir’at al-quds) of Father Jerome Xavier

1602–4

Mughal India, Allahabad, made for Prince Salim

(1569–1627)
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Medium
Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Measurements
Page: 26.3 x 15.6 cm (10 3/8 x 6 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 2005.145.24.b
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

Wearing a green coat, Joseph carries a sword over his shoulder, suggesting that he is ready to face any potential trouble.

Description

Joseph leads the heavily pregnant Mary riding on a camel. In the text Father Jerome wrote that Mary rode a “pack beast,” so the Indian artist opted to portray her on a camel. An ox in the foreground carries their belongings, and the bent trees indicate the journey’s harsh conditions. They are on the way to Bethlehem, the city of King David, from whom Joseph was descended, in order to register for a census. Father Jerome often emphasized the royal lineage of Jesus, apparently in an effort to impress the Mughals.

Mary and Joseph Travel to Bethlehem (folio 24 verso), from a Mirror of Holiness (Mir’at al-quds) of Father Jerome Xavier

1602–4

Mughal India, Allahabad, made for Prince Salim (1569–1627)

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