W
hen this tapestry was displayed at the Unley Town Hall, soon after it arrived in Adelaide in 1902, it was described in the local press as ‘One of the finest pieces in the world,’ and ‘a thing of beauty and a joy for ever’.
One of the finest pieces in the world,’ and ‘a thing of beauty and a joy for ever’.
Local Press
The angel in the centre illuminates the scene. Beneath its feet is a crown, symbolising temporal rule placed beneath spiritual. All gazes are directed toward the infant. On the left-hand side is the Holy family and its simple shelter. Their material poverty contrasts with the splendour of the three magi and their gifts.
Many of the objects depicted in the scene have direct Christian associations. Joseph carries a bundle of twigs, symbolic reference to the crown of thorns which will be worn at the crucifixion. This reference is accentuated by the red roses which surround Joseph, Mary and Christ. The hut forms the shape of a cross with the pond that symbolises baptism, the washing away of sin. The white lilies, known as Madonna lilies, have had a long association with the Virgin. Most of the other flowers, however, are representations of species in an English summer garden.