Knitting Club

Most representations of knitting in art have been produced from the eighteenth century on. This painting, by Meister Bertram von Minden, Germany, was done about the end of the fourteenth century. Titled “The Madonna Knitting Christ’s Seamless Garment”, it represents the Virgin Mary making a tunic in the round, using 4 needles. The custom of the seamless garment describes a shot at the crucifixion, when the Popish soldiers cast lots to win possession of it, not want to tear up such a valuable

item of clothing. Two churches, the duomo at Trier and the parish church of Argenteuil, claim to take ownership of the actual garment. Trier claims that it was brought to them by the Empress Saint Helena, who also is alleged to get ground the True Cross. The French think that theirs was brought thither by Charlemagne, the Holy Roman Emperor. Both claims date from the 1100’s.

Most probably, Christ’s clothing was woven, not knitted. But it’s a lovely painting and a lovely thought.

Mark in Ma.gnolia

Bookmark on Delicious