This damaged but incredibly vibrant painting, which adorns the Church of the Holy Virgin in the Syrian Monastery (Deir al-Surian) in Wadi al-Natrun, Egypt, depicts the Epiphany—the adoration of newborn Jesus by the Magi and shepherds. At the center of the scene is Virgin Mary enthroned with Christ Emmanuel on her lap. To the left of Mary is the archangel Michael, who gestures to the three Magi, each of whom carries a gift and is dressed in colorful eastern attire. To the right of Mary is the archangel Gabriel, who similarly beckons to two shepherds tending their flocks in the […]
