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PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST'S DAUGHTER (?), 1910.

Portrait of The Artist's Daughter (?), 1910. Creator: Max Brodel. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

KNEELING PEASANT WOMAN, MID 19TH CENTURY.

Kneeling Peasant Woman, mid 19th century. Creator: Johann Georg Meyer. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

YOUNG WOMAN WITH BABY BESIDE WALL, 19TH CENTURY.

Young Woman with Baby Beside Wall, 19th century. Creator: Edouard de Beaumont. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

PEASANTS KNEELING BEFORE SHRINE, C1840.

Peasants Kneeling Before Shrine, c1840. Creator: Charles Ramelet. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

THE STORY OF SUSANNA: THE ELDERS AS JUDGES, C1488-90. THIS PANEL IS FROM A SERIES ILLUSTRATING CRITICAL EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF THE BIBLICAL FIGURE SUSANNA. AS TOLD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT BOOK OF DANIEL, SUSANNA WAS A YOUNG BABYLONIAN WOMAN WHO WAS ACCOSTED B

The Story of Susanna: The Elders as Judges, c1488-90. Creator: Lorenzo Costa. The Story of Susanna: The Elders as Judges, c1488-90. This panel is from a series illustrating critical events in the life of the biblical figure Susanna. As told in the Old Testament Book of Daniel, Susanna was a young Babylonian woman who was accosted by two lecherous old judges while bathing in her private garden. After rejecting their advances, the judges accused Susanna of adultery and she was sentenced to death. But through the just intervention of a young nobleman named Daniel, Susanna was proven innocent and her virtue preserved. This panel represents the beginning of the story and shows the two elders seated as judges. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

THE DEPARTURE OF HELEN AND HER ENTOURAGE FOR CYTHERA, C1468.

The Departure of Helen and her Entourage for Cythera, c1468. Creator: Dario di Giovanni. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

TRIPTYCH WITH MARY AND HER SON, ARCHANGELS, SCENES FROM LIFE OF CHRIST AND SAINTS, EARLY 16TH CENTURY. THIS TRIPTYCH (THREE-PANELED ICON) IS DISTINGUISHED BY ITS SOMBER COLOURS, LINEAR PATTERNS, AND SENSE OF QUIET MELANCHOLY. THE COMBINATION OF WHITE AND

Triptych with Mary and Her Son, Archangels, Scenes from Life of Christ and Saints, early 16th cent. Creator: Unknown. Triptych with Mary and Her Son, Archangels, Scenes from Life of Christ and Saints, early 16th century. This triptych (three-paneled icon) is distinguished by its somber colours, linear patterns, and sense of quiet melancholy. The combination of white and black bands on the wings, which is rare in Ethiopian art, creates a bold pattern that serves as a background for Christ and the saints. The victorious, resurrected Christ, seen at the upper right, holds in his hand a processional cross. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

THE FUNERAL OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI, C1430. A PANEL FROM THE "PREDELLA," OR ILLUSTRATED BASE, OF AN ALTARPIECE DEDICATED TO SAINT FRANCIS, THIS IMAGE COMBINES THE FUNERAL OF THE SAINT (DIED 1226) WITH HIS CANONIZATION, OR DECLARATION OF SAINTHOOD, BY P

The Funeral of Saint Francis of Assisi, c1430. Creator: Bartolomeo di Tommaso. The Funeral of Saint Francis of Assisi, c1430. A panel from the "predella," or illustrated base, of an altarpiece dedicated to Saint Francis, this image combines the funeral of the saint (died 1226) with his canonization, or declaration of sainthood, by Pope Gregory IX in 1228. The saint's body lies on a bier surrounded by a mourning crowd. The crowd includes fashionably dressed young men along with the lame and blind, who seek a miraculous cure by touching the saint's dead body. To the right, the seated pope writes the decree of canonization. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

HVASHANG, 18TH CENTURY. CHILDREN PLAY AROUND THE PORTLY HVASHANG, WHO HOLDS A LEMON. A TIBETAN ADDITION TO AN OLD GROUP OF SIXTEEN BUDDHIST SAINTS, HVASHANG WAS THOUGHT BY SOME TO HAVE LIVED IN CHINA AROUND THE 14TH CENTURY. BELOW HIM ARE TWO OF THE KINGS

Hvashang, 18th century. Creator: Unknown. Hvashang, 18th century. Children play around the portly Hvashang, who holds a lemon. A Tibetan addition to an old group of sixteen Buddhist saints, Hvashang was thought by some to have lived in China around the 14th century. Below him are two of the kings of the four quarters of space. They serve as protectors in Hvashang's spiritual quest, in which he is directed by the figures above--a Buddha (Akshobhya) and a Bodhisattva (Maitreya). Origianlly this painting was part of a set that included all sixteen saints. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

VIRGIN AND CHILD, C1460. TTHE VIRGIN AND CHILD ARE PLACED IN A BOX-LIKE ROOM LINED WITH GOTHIC WINDOWS AND A COFFERED CEILING. A DECORATIVE FLORAL GARLAND FRAMES THE SPACE BEHIND THE FIGURES, LENDING A CELEBRATORY AIR. THE VIRGIN IS RICHLY DRESSED IN A BR

Virgin and Child, c1460. Creator: Unknown. Virgin and Child, c1460. Tthe Virgin and Child are placed in a box-like room lined with gothic windows and a coffered ceiling. A decorative floral garland frames the space behind the figures, lending a celebratory air. The Virgin is richly dressed in a bright blue cloak lined with green velvet and clasped together with a brooch of gemstones and pearls. The Christ Child, sitting on an embroidered cushion on his mother’s knee, holds a tiny swallow (a common symbol of his death and resurrection) and offers a gesture of blessing. While Mary focuses on her son, Jesus appears to look at someone in the viewer's space to whom he directs his gesture of blessing. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

VESSANTARA JATAKA, CHAPTER 11: WHILE JUJAKA SLEEPS THE CHILDREN ARE CARED FOR, LATE 19TH CENTURY.

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 11: While Jujaka Sleeps the Children are Cared For, late 19th century. Creator: Unknown. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

VESSANTARA JATAKA, CHAPTER 8: JALI AT VESSANTARA'S FEET, LATE 19TH CENTURY.

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 8: Jali at Vessantara's Feet, late 19th century. Creator: Unknown. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

VESSANTARA JATAKA, CHAPTER 4: VESSANTARA, MADDI, JALI, AND KANHA ENTER THE FOREST, LATE 19TH CENTURY.

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 4: Vessantara, Maddi, Jali, and Kanha Enter the Forest, late 19th century Creator: Unknown. Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 4: Vessantara, Maddi, Jali, and Kanha Enter the Forest, late 19th century. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

VESSANTARA JATAKA, CHAPTER 3: VESSANTARA GIVES AWAY THE CHARIOT, LATE 19TH CENTURY.

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 3: Vessantara Gives Away the Chariot, late 19th century. Creator: Unknown. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

WOMAN BESIDE BED OF SICK CHID, 1840-1850.

Woman Beside Bed of Sick Chid, 1840-1850. Creator: August Hunger. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

TWO DANCERS BACKSTAGE, 1852.

Two Dancers Backstage, 1852. Creator: Paul Gavarni. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

A BON VINAIGRE, 1859.

A Bon Vinaigre, 1859. Creator: Paul Gavarni. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD, 1881.

The Light of the World, 1881. Creator: Louis Prang. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

MARGOT (LEFEBVRE) IN BLUE, 1902; SHOWING A CHILD WEARING A FLOPPY WHITE BONNET AND BLUE DRESS.

Margot (Lefebvre) in Blue, 1902. Creator: Mary Cassatt. Margot (Lefebvre) in Blue, 1902; showing a child wearing a floppy white bonnet and blue dress. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

CHARLES DIKRAN KELEKIAN, 1910. CASSATT PORTRAYS THE 12-YEAR-OLD SON OF HER FRIEND AND ART CONSULTANT DIKRAN KELEKIAN.

Charles Dikran Kelekian, 1910. Creator: Mary Cassatt. Charles Dikran Kelekian, 1910. Cassatt portrays the 12-year-old son of her friend and art consultant Dikran Kelekian. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

PORTRAIT OF ELSA BRODEL, 1913.

Portrait of Elsa Brodel, 1913. Creator: Max Brodel. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

VESSANTARA JATAKA, CHAPTER 13 (THE RETURN TO THE CAPITAL), 1920-1940.

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 13 (The Return to the Capital), 1920-1940. Creator: Unknown. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

VESSANTARA JATAKA, CHAPTER 11: JUJAKA AND THE ROYAL CHILDREN ARE BROUGHT TO KING SANJAYA, 18TH-19TH CENTURY.

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 11: Jujaka and the Royal Children are Brought to King... 18th-19th cent. Creator: Unknown. Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 11: Jujaka and the Royal Children are Brought to King Sanjaya, 18th-19th century. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

VESSANTARA JATAKA, CHAPTER 3 (THE GIFT), C1850-1870. AFTER HIS BANISHMENT FROM THE KINGDOM, VESSANTARA IS ACCOMPANIED INTO THE FOREST BY HIS WIFE, MADDI, AND THEIR TWO CHILDREN. TRAVELING IN AN ORNAMENTED CHARIOT, THEY MEET SOME BRAHMINS WHO ASK THEM FOR

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 3 (The Gift), c1850-1870. Creator: Unknown. Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 3 (The Gift), c1850-1870. After his banishment from the kingdom, Vessantara is accompanied into the forest by his wife, Maddi, and their two children. Traveling in an ornamented chariot, they meet some brahmins who ask them for the horses and chariot. After giving the horses and chariot away, the family proceeds on foot. In this scene, Vessantara is pouring water into the hands of a brahmin as he gives the chariot away. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

VESSANTARA JATAKA, CHAPTER 11 (MAHARAJA), C1920-1940. DIVINE BEINGS LEAD JUJAKA TO THE PALACE OF KING SANJAYA, VESSANTARA'S FATHER. AT FIRST, THE KING IS ANGRY THAT VESSANTARA GAVE AWAY HIS CHILDREN, BUT THEY COME TO THEIR FATHER'S DEFENSE. RELIEVED THAT

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 11 (Maharaja), c1920-1940. Creator: Unknown. Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 11 (Maharaja), c1920-1940. Divine beings lead Jujaka to the palace of King Sanjaya, Vessantara's father. At first, the king is angry that Vessantara gave away his children, but they come to their father's defense. Relieved that his grandchildren are safe, the king gives Jujaka great riches, including a large palace. The children are cleaned up and dressed as royalty, and King Sanjaya sends his army to the forest to retrieve Vessantara and Maddi; the family is joyously reunited. The scene depicted here is the return of the children to the palace. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

VESSANTARA JATAKA, CHAPTER 8 (THE ROYAL CHILDREN), 1920-1940. JUJAKA VISITS VESSANTARA IN HIS COTTAGE IN THE FOREST AND ASKS FOR THE CHILDREN. VESSANTARA IS PLEASED TO BE ABLE TO HELP THE BRAHMIN WITH HIS REQUEST AND IMMEDIATELY GIVES AWAY HIS TWO CHILDRE

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 8 (The Royal Children), 1920-1940. Creator: Unknown. Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 8 (The Royal Children), 1920-1940. Jujaka visits Vessantara in his cottage in the forest and asks for the children. Vessantara is pleased to be able to help the brahmin with his request and immediately gives away his two children, Jali and Kanha. Again, we see the exchange depicted with the pouring of water onto Jujaka's hands. As the children leave with him, Jujaka ties their hands together and beats them with a stick. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

VESSANTARA JATAKA, CHAPTER 3, C1920-1940.

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 3, c1920-1940. Creator: Unknown. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

VESSANTARA JATAKA, CHAPTER 11: JUJAKA BESET BY VILLAGERS, C1875-1925. AS JUJAKA IS ON HIS WAY BACK TO HIS VILLAGE WITH VESSANTARA'S CHILDREN, HE LOSES HIS WAY AND FINDS HIMSELF IN VESSANTARA'S FATHER'S KINGDOM. THE VILLAGERS RECOGNIZE THE CHILDREN AND ASS

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 11: Jujaka Beset by Villagers, c1875-1925. Creator: Unknown. Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 11: Jujaka Beset by Villagers, c1875-1925. As Jujaka is on his way back to his village with Vessantara's children, he loses his way and finds himself in Vessantara's father's kingdom. The villagers recognize the children and assume that Jujaka has stolen them from Vessantara. They then proceeded to beat Jujaka. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

VESSANTARA JATAKA, CHAPTER 11: JUJAKA TREATS JALI AND KANHA POORLY; WHILE JUJAKA SLEEPS THE CHILDREN ARE CARED FOR, C1875-1925. WHILE RETURNING TO HIS VILLAGE, JUJAKA BEATS JALI AND KANHI WITH A STICK, BUT DIVINE BEINGS KEEP WATCH OVER THE CHILDREN. AS SE

Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 11: Jujaka Treats Jali and Kanha Poorly; While Jujaka..., c1875-1925. Creator: Unknown. Vessantara Jataka, Chapter 11: Jujaka Treats Jali and Kanha Poorly; While Jujaka Sleeps the Children are Cared For, c1875-1925. While returning to his village, Jujaka beats Jali and Kanhi with a stick, but divine beings keep watch over the children. As seen at the top of the painting, each night Jujaka sleeps in a tree to protect himself from wild animals. Divine beings appear in the forms of Vessantara and Maddi and comfort the children until morning. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

THE BIRTH OF THE BUDDHA, 19TH CENTURY.

The Birth of the Buddha, 19th Century. Creator: Unknown. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

VIRGIN AND CHILD, 1450-1460.

Virgin and Child, 1450-1460. Creator: Giovanni Francesco da Rimini. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

MADONNA AND CHILD WITH SAINTS PETER AND MARK AND THREE VENETIAN PROCURATORS, 1510.

Madonna and Child with Saints Peter and Mark and Three Venetian Procurators, 1510. Creator: Giovanni Bellini. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

THE HOLY FAMILY WITH SAINTS JOHN THE BAPTIST AND JEROME, 1520-1525.

The Holy Family with Saints John the Baptist and Jerome, 1520-1525. Creator: Giampietro Silvio. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

MADONNA AND CHILD, 1480-1485. CHRIST AND MARY’S DIVINITY IS DOWNPLAYED; THEIR HALOS ARE JUST BARELY VISIBLE AND THEY APPEAR QUITE SIMPLY AS MOTHER AND SON, SHARING AN INTIMATE AND ALMOST PLAYFUL EXCHANGE AS THE CHRIST CHILD HOLDS ONTO HIS MOTHER’S HAND AN

Madonna and Child, 1480-1485. Creator: Bartolomeo Montagna. Madonna and Child, 1480-1485. Christ and Mary’s divinity is downplayed; their halos are just barely visible and they appear quite simply as mother and son, sharing an intimate and almost playful exchange as the Christ Child holds onto his mother’s hand and reaches for her face. The Madonna has propped the child up on a stone table (perhaps intended to recall an altar) and before an expansive landscape of rocky cliffs, rolling hills, and a distant castle. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

THE ADORATION OF THE SHEPHERDS, C1550 (?).

The Adoration of the Shepherds, c1550 (?). Creator: Cremona. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

MADONNA AND CHILD WITH SAINTS, C1510-1515. THIS GROUPING OF THE VIRGIN AND CHILD WITH SAINTS (MARY MAGDALEN, JEROME, AN UNIDENTIFIED MALE SAINT, AND SEBASTIAN) IS KNOWN AS A "SACRA CONVERSAZIONE" (SACRED CONVERSATION), SINCE THE FIGURES APPEAR IN A UNIFIE

Madonna and Child with Saints, c1510-1515. Creator: Francesco Zaganelli. Madonna and Child with Saints, c1510-1515. This grouping of the Virgin and Child with saints (Mary Magdalen, Jerome, an unidentified male saint, and Sebastian) is known as a "sacra conversazione" (sacred conversation), since the figures appear in a unified space that would allow them to speak to each other. This format is usually associated with altarpieces though in northern Italy it often appeared as here, with the figures at half-length and close to the viewer. A brocade drapery hangs behind Mary and Jesus to mark their status as King and Queen of Heaven. The lamb held by the Christ Child is a reference to his nickname, the "Lamb of God," and is a symbol of his future sacrifice. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

THE DEAD CHRIST SUPPORTED BY ANGELS, LATE 1490S. FOUR ANGELS SUPPORT THE PALLID BODY OF THE DEAD CHRIST AND DRAW THE VIEWER'S ATTENTION TO THE WOUNDS FROM HIS CRUCIFIXION. THE ANGEL AT THE LEFT, WITH AN EXPRESSION OF DEEP SORROW, LOOKS OUT AT VIEWERS AS I

The Dead Christ Supported by Angels, late 1490s. Creator: Filippo Mazzola. The Dead Christ Supported by Angels, late 1490s. Four angels support the pallid body of the dead Christ and draw the viewer's attention to the wounds from his crucifixion. The angel at the left, with an expression of deep sorrow, looks out at viewers as if encouraging them to meditate on Christ's suffering. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

THE HOLY FAMILY WITH AN ANGEL, C1485. THE SUBJECT OF THIS PAINTING IS THE CELEBRATION OF CHRIST'S BIRTH EVEN THOUGH THE INFANT CHRIST, WHO STANDS IN HIS MOTHER'S LAP, SEEMS MUCH OLDER THAN A NEWBORN. THE TRADITIONAL WITNESSES OF CHRIST'S BIRTH IN THE BETH

The Holy Family with an Angel, c1485. Creator: Baldassare d'Este. The Holy Family with an Angel, c1485. The subject of this painting is the celebration of Christ's birth even though the infant Christ, who stands in his mother's lap, seems much older than a newborn. The traditional witnesses of Christ's birth in the Bethlehem stable, the ox and the ass, stand at the left. The procession in the background signals a later event: the arrival of the three wise men from the East to pay homage to the Messiah. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

MADONNA AND CHILD WITH TWO ANGELS, C1500. THIS “TONDO” (CIRCULAR PAINTING) SHOWS TWO LILY-BEARING ANGELS STRIDING TOWARD THE MADONNA AND CROWNING HER AS QUEEN OF HEAVEN. THE MADONNA RAISES HER HANDS IN ADORATION OF THE INFANT CHRIST. RECLINING ON AN EMBRO

Madonna and Child with Two Angels, c1500. Creator: Agnolo di Domenico di Donnino. Madonna and Child with Two Angels, c1500. This “tondo” (circular painting) shows two lily-bearing angels striding toward the Madonna and crowning her as Queen of Heaven. The Madonna raises her hands in adoration of the Infant Christ. Reclining on an embroidered pillow in her lap, the child raises his right hand in a gesture of blessing. The mixed animal, human, and plant forms decorating the architecture behind the figures are called "grotesques" (“grotteschi” in Italian). They were inspired by the similar wall decorations discovered in the 1490s in the grottoes and chambers buried beneath ancient Roman houses. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

PORTRAIT OF A BABY BOY, 1540-1549. THE ARTIST PAINTED PORTRAITS OF MANY MEMBERS OF THE MEDICI FAMILY, AND THIS PICTURE MAY REPRESENT DUKE COSIMO'S AND ELEONORA DA TOLEDO'S SON GARCIA, BORN IN 1547, OR ANOTHER SON, FERDINANDO, BORN IN 1549. WRAPPED IN SWAD

Portrait of a Baby Boy, 1540-1549. Creator: Agnolo Bronzino. Portrait of a Baby Boy, 1540-1549. The artist painted portraits of many members of the Medici family, and this picture may represent Duke Cosimo's and Eleonora da Toledo's son Garcia, born in 1547, or another son, Ferdinando, born in 1549. Wrapped in swaddling clothes, the baby recalls representations of the infant Jesus, revealing the pious intentions of the child's parents. Importance was given to the portrayal of children during the 16th century because of the high mortality rate. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

MADONNA AND CHILD, C1430-1450.

Madonna and Child, c1430-1450. Creator: Unknown. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

SCENES FROM THE LIFE OF SAINT CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA, C1430-1450. THIS THREE-PART PANEL WAS ORIGINALLY PART OF A LARGE ALTARPIECE WHOSE CENTRAL IMAGE PROBABLY REPRESENTED SAINT CATHERINE WITH THE WHEEL OF HER MARTYRDOM. THE LEFT-HAND PANEL DEPICTS HER VI

Scenes from the Life of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, c1430-1450. Creator: Unknown. Scenes from the Life of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, c1430-1450. This three-part panel was originally part of a large altarpiece whose central image probably represented Saint Catherine with the wheel of her martyrdom. The left-hand panel depicts her vision of the Madonna and Child: the Christ Child did not find Catherine worthy because she wasn't baptised and refused to look at her. The middle scene illustrates her baptism. The right-hand panel presents her second vision of the Madonna and Child: as a baptised Christian she is now worthy in Christ's eyes and she is joined to him in a mystic marriage. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

COLD FINGERS, C1865.

Cold Fingers, c1865. Creator: Charles Felix Blauvelt. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

ADORATION OF THE THREE KINGS, 1526. THE WISE MEN WHO, ACCORDING TO THE GOSPELS, CAME FROM THE EAST TO ADORE THE CHRIST CHILD AND ACKNOWLEDGE HIS DIVINITY, WERE OFTEN DEPICTED AS KINGS, UNDERSCORING THE IMPORTANCE OF THEIR HOMAGE. THE STAR THAT THEY FOLLOW

Adoration of the Three Kings, 1526. Creator: Wilhelm Stetter. Adoration of the Three Kings, 1526. The wise men who, according to the Gospels, came from the East to adore the Christ Child and acknowledge his divinity, were often depicted as kings, underscoring the importance of their homage. The star that they followed is in the upper left corner. The oldest king, a regal European, kneels before the Child and his mother. The middle-aged Turkish potentate, wearing a turban, looks back through the doorway in the ruin where the holy family has taken refuge toward the youngest ruler, a vigorous young African, attired in elegant 16th-century German fashion. His facial features are more individualized than those of the other two, and it may be that he is based on a study made from life. In the distance, some of the kings' followers ride horses with very long necks, surely the artist's attempt at camels! (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

ADORATION OF THE MAGI, 1540-1549.

Adoration of the Magi, 1540-1549. Creator: Pieter Coecke van Aelst. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

SAINT MATTHEW, C1616. RECEIVING INSPIRATION IN COMPOSING HIS GOSPEL FROM A DIVINELY SENT, WINGED HUMAN FIGURE, ONE OF THE FOUR WINGED CREATURES DESCRIBED IN REVELATION THAT WERE UNDERSTOOD AS SYMBOLIZING THE FOUR EVANGELISTS.

Saint Matthew, c1616. Creator: Joachim Anthonisz Wtewael. Saint Matthew, c1616. Receiving inspiration in composing his Gospel from a divinely sent, winged human figure, one of the four winged creatures described in Revelation that were understood as symbolizing the four Evangelists. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

THE EDICTS OF CHARLES V, C1861. THIS SCENE IS SET IN THE ARTIST'S NATIVE ANTWERP, IDENTIFIABLE BECAUSE OF THE FAMOUS CHURCH SPIRE IN THE DISTANCE. BETWEEN 1520 AND 1550, CHARLES V, EMPEROR OF THE HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE, ISSUED 11 EDICTS MAKING THE PRACTICE OF

The Edicts of Charles V, c1861. Creator: Jan August Hendrik Leys. The Edicts of Charles V, c1861. This scene is set in the artist's native Antwerp, identifiable because of the famous church spire in the distance. Between 1520 and 1550, Charles V, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, issued 11 edicts making the practice of Protestantism a crime punishable by death. Antwerp served as a major centre of learning and finance that had attracted many foreigners, especially Jews and Protestants. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

GIRL TEASING A CAT, C1630. A CHILD TEASING A CAT IS A FREQUENT SUBJECT IN DUTCH ART; IT REFERS TO THE IDEA THAT (SEXUAL) TEASING CAN LEAD TO A PAINFUL SCRATCHING. THAT THIS MISCHIEVOUS GIRL IS PARTIALLY DISROBED MAKES THE CONSEQUENCES MORE OBVIOUS AND ERO

Girl Teasing a Cat, c1630. Creator: Jan van Bijlert. Girl Teasing a Cat, c1630. A child teasing a cat is a frequent subject in Dutch art; it refers to the idea that (sexual) teasing can lead to a painful scratching. That this mischievous girl is partially disrobed makes the consequences more obvious and erotic-since her bared skin teases the viewer as well. Her voluptuousness and apparent cheerfulness suggest a brothel, not the everyday life of children. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

THE MADONNA AND CHILD WITH SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST, 1522-1524. BOTH MARY AND THE CHRIST CHILD REST THEIR HANDS ON THE LAMB OF GOD, A SYMBOL OF JESUS' FUTURE SACRIFICE. ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, WHO STARES REVERENTLY AT CHRIST, IS DRESSED IN CAMEL'S SKIN IN REF

The Madonna and Child with Saint John the Baptist, 1522-1524. Creator: Giulio Romano. The Madonna and Child with Saint John the Baptist, 1522-1524. Both Mary and the Christ Child rest their hands on the Lamb of God, a symbol of Jesus' future sacrifice. St. John the Baptist, who stares reverently at Christ, is dressed in camel's skin in reference to his future ministry in the desert. Jesus' nakedness reminds us of his humanity. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

THE ADORATION OF THE THREE KINGS, C1525-1530. THREE WISE MEN, OR MAGI, FROM THE EAST ARE DESCRIBED IN THE GOSPELS AS HAVING SEEN A NEW STAR AND JOURNEYED TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE CHILD MARKED AS DIVINE BY THE HEAVENS. THE WISE MEN WERE OFTEN DEPICTED AS KING

The Adoration of the Three Kings, c1525-1530. Creator: Girolamo da Santacroce. The Adoration of the Three Kings, c1525-1530. Three wise men, or magi, from the East are described in the Gospels as having seen a new star and journeyed to pay tribute to the child marked as divine by the heavens. The wise men were often depicted as kings, and, by the Renaissance, the youngest was frequently depicted as an African, here holding a gold vessel containing myrrh, a precious resin from Arabia and Africa used for perfume. His portrayal reflects both the ethnic diversity encountered by Renaissance painters in a port like Venice, frequented by African traders, and also the concept of Christ's promise of salvation for all people. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

REPOSE ON FLIGHT INTO EGYPT WITH MANY ANGELS, 16TH CENTURY.

Repose on Flight into Egypt with Many Angels, 16th century. Creator: Unknown. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

THE NOTE, 17TH CENTURY.

The Note, 17th century. Creator: Gabriel Metsu. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

BOSTON STREET SCENE (BOSTON COMMON), 1898-99.

Boston Street Scene (Boston Common), 1898-99. Creator: Edward Mitchell Bannister. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

MYSTIC MARRIAGE OF SAINT CATHERINE, 16TH CENTURY. WITH SAINTS MARGARET, DOROTHY, AND BARBARA TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT OF SAINT CATHERINE.

Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine, 16th century. Creator: Unknown. Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine, 16th century. With Saints Margaret, Dorothy, and Barbara to the left and right of Saint Catherine. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

THE CHRIST CHILD, 1849.

The Christ Child, 1849. Creator: Andreas Johann Jacob Muller. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

HOLY FAMILY DEPARTING FOR EGYPT, C1625. ACCORDING TO THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, AFTER THE DEPARTURE OF THE WISE MEN, AN ANGEL WARNED JOSEPH TO FLEE WITH MARY AND JESUS TO EGYPT. WHILE JESUS AND HIS COUSIN JOHN TENDERLY SAY GOODBYE, JOSEPH, ESCORTED BY ANGELS

Holy Family Departing for Egypt, c1625. Creator: Pieter van Avont. Holy Family Departing for Egypt, c1625. According to the Gospel of Matthew, after the departure of the Wise Men, an angel warned Joseph to flee with Mary and Jesus to Egypt. While Jesus and his cousin John tenderly say goodbye, Joseph, escorted by angels who will guide the family's journey, brings up the donkey for departure. John carries a little cross, is accompanied by a lamb symbolizing Christ's eventual sacrifice that John will later prophecy, and wears the animal skin that will be his clothing as an adult in the wilderness. Years later, Christ came upon John preaching the coming of the Messiah and was baptized by him. The scene gently insists that Christ's life and sacrifice were pre-destined. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

VIRGIN AND CHILD IN A LANDSCAPE, C1600.

Virgin and Child in a Landscape, c1600. Creator: Unknown. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

THE HOLY FAMILY WITH THE INFANT ST. JOHN, 1580-1585.

The Holy Family with the Infant St. John, 1580-1585. Creator: Francesco Vanni. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

THE SAVOYARD, 19TH CENTURY.

The Savoyard, 19th century. Creator: Alfred Jacob Miller. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

SIOUX INDIANS IN THE MOUNTAINS, C1850. IN THE SPRING OF 1837, CAPTAIN WILLIAM DRUMMOND STEWART HIRED THE BALTIMOREAN ALFRED JACOB MILLER TO ACCOMPANY AND RECORD AN EXPEDITION TO THE ANNUAL FUR TRADERS' RENDEZVOUS HELD IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAI

Sioux Indians in the Mountains, c1850. Creator: Alfred Jacob Miller. Sioux Indians in the Mountains, c1850. In the spring of 1837, Captain William Drummond Stewart hired the Baltimorean Alfred Jacob Miller to accompany and record an expedition to the annual fur traders' rendezvous held in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in what is now Wyoming. That autumn, the artist returned east with sketches and watercolours, which served as the basis for later paintings. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

MADONNA ADORING THE CHILD, C. 1585-1605.

Madonna Adoring the Child, c. 1585-1605. Creator: Barbara Longhi. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

CHILD WITH STRAWBERRIES, 1803-1805.

Child with Strawberries, 1803-1805. Creator: Joshua Johnson. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

MADONNA AND CHILD WITH A CAT, C1490. THIS MADONNA AND CHILD INCLUDES AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR - A CAT! RARELY DEPICTED IN CHRISTIAN ART, CATS CARRY A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT MEANINGS: SINCE THEY HUNTED HOUSEHOLD PESTS LIKE VERMIN AND SNAKES, THEY WERE SOMETIMES

Madonna and Child with a Cat, c1490. Creator: Unknown. Madonna and Child with a Cat, c1490. This Madonna and Child includes an unexpected visitor - a cat! Rarely depicted in Christian art, cats carry a number of different meanings: since they hunted household pests like vermin and snakes, they were sometimes considered defenders against evil. However, they could also be viewed as sources of evil themselves, on account of their traditional association with witches. Since the cat in this painting appears with the Madonna and Child, it may be a reference to a popular Christian legend claiming that a cat gave birth at the same time that Mary gave birth to Christ. It might also be a heraldic emblem of the family or individual who commissioned the work. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)

MADONNA AND CHILD WITH ST. MICHAEL AND OTHER SAINTS, C1440. THIS MONUMENTAL AND INTACT POLYPTYCH (MULTI-PANELED ALTARPIECE), WHICH IS NOW UNFORTUNATELY BADLY DAMAGED, IS ONE OF THE EARLIEST KNOWN ALTARPIECES BY ANTONIO VIVARINI, HEAD OF ONE OF THE MOST IM

Madonna and Child with St. Michael and Other Saints, c1440. Creator: Antonio Vivarini. Madonna and Child with St. Michael and Other Saints, c1440. This monumental and intact polyptych (multi-paneled altarpiece), which is now unfortunately badly damaged, is one of the earliest known altarpieces by Antonio Vivarini, head of one of the most important family-run painting workshops in 15th-century Venice. (KEYSTONE/HERITAGE IMAGES/HERITAGE ART)