Permanent exhibition.
The “Arte Sacra” Museum has a collection that refers to the Christmas season: a considerable set of representations in painting and sculpture associated with the Immaculate Conception of Mary; the Announcement of the birth of Jesus from the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary; the visitation of Mary to her cousin, St. Elizabeth. The scenes designated as “nativity” refer to the birth of Jesus Christ and have as main figures the Child Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Other figures or scenes such as the adoration of the angels, shepherds and the Three Kings are often added to the composition.
Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas (bishop) is quite a popular saint, whose acts of charity kindness and goodwill, especially towards children, gave birth to the figure of Santa Claus. He is connected to countless miracles and legends, among which, bringing back to life three boys who had been butchered, and their remains kept in a pickling tub, rescuing a group of sailors from a shipwreck, and sparing the lives of three military who had been innocently accused. He was also known for saving three marriageable maidens from shame and dishonour, by secretly throwing three bags of gold through their window, thus providing the dowries they needed,
These wondrous events can be unravelled in the painting of Saint Nicholas which is part of the collection of the Sacred Art Museum.
Our Lady of Conception
Although Christmas preparations begin four weeks before Christmas (the Advent Season), for many Madeirans December 8 marks the beginning of the festivities and preparations.
Devotion to the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin has a long tradition among Christians. Its Feast was universally established on December 8 as early as the 15th century.
With the Bull Ineffabilis Deus, Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854.
The Sacred Art Museum holds a large painting and sculpture collection related to representations of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception, most of which were created before the proclamation of the dogma: Saint Joachim and Saint Anne’s Embrace at the Golden Gate or the depictions of the Virgin with the Crescent Moon at her feet, and sometimes with
a crown of stars on her head.
The Annunciation
The announcement of the birth of Jesus by St. Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary is a recurrent subject in Christian art. Visitors will find various depictions of the Annunciation, namely in the collection of Flemish paintings.
Visitation (Mary Visits Elizabeth)
After the announcement of angel Gabriel, Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, who had been granted the divine blessing of giving birth to a son in her old age. Mary was Elizabeth’s companion to the last months of pregnancy.
Nativity
The Nativity scenes portray the birth of Jesus Christ, having Baby Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph as main characters. Other characters or scenes are often added, such as the adoration of the Angels and Shepherds, or the cow and the donkey in the manger, as represented in the apocryphal Gospels.
Epiphany (The Visit of the Wise Men)
The Gospel of St. Matthews tells us that wise men, or Magi coming from eastern lands had come to Jerusalem guided by a star. They were seeking the King of the Jews.
