1708 / Rome
Bust of Clemens XI. left
Luke in front of stillage, behind Virgin Mother and bull
The award medal of the renowned association of artists "Accademia di San Luca" in Rome from the year 1708 depicts the titular saint accomplishing a painting of the Virgin Mother. According to a legend the evangelist Luke created a tableau with the Mother of God and therefore was regarded as the patron of painters. Thus Luke has probably been honored in an emblematic manner for his colourful record of the Nativity.
We owe Luke significant themes relating to the Birth of Christ, whereas the other evangelists remain silent, respectively Matthew narrates only events at the periphery of Nativity (at least elaborately the adoration of "The Three Magi"). These are the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem in order to register for the census of emperor Augustus, the emergency accomodation in a stable because there was no place in the hospice and the adoration of the shepherds after angels having revealed to them the Birth of the redeemer.
85,85 g / diameter 63 mm