Nativity Adoration
Phipps, Ball & Burnham - 1920
In Loving Memory of my Grandfather Thomas Mann Randolph
In Loving Memory of my Mother Mary Randolph Porter And Grandmother Susan Eaton Randolph
In Loving Memory of my Father Joseph Yates Porter
DESCRIPTION: This magnificent clerestory window in the south transept contains three panels depicting a favorite subject of ecclesiastical art: the birth of Jesus. The center panel of the traditional nativity scene is devoted to the Holy Family; the right depicts the shepherds; the left, the three kings. Above the silver stain canopy are two angels with banderoles proclaiming: Alleluiah, Alleluiah, Alleluiah.
In the center panel, Joseph stands behind Mary, who is pictured in an awkward stance. The proportions of the Christ Child are not that of a newborn baby, and the lamb in the foreground appears stiff and wooden. Despite these issues with artistic perspective, especially outstanding is the painting is the treatment of the draping of all the garments. One can almost feel the texture of the fabrics.
Noteworthy is the apparent softness of the ermine mantle of one king. The kings wear no crowns, but upon close observance, one crown can be seen carefully laid upon the ground, a gesture representing the removal of royal headgear in honor of the King of Kings.
MEMORIAL: The donor of this window is Dr. Joseph Yates Porter, Sr., who is remembered in the preceding window, Saint Luke (Window #111). When Dr. Porter's grandfather, Thomas Mann Randolph, was captain of the United States revenue cutter Washington, he met and married Susan Browne. They were the parents of William B, and Mary Ann.
A beautiful and accomplished person, Mary Ann was the first organist of St. Paul's. She married Joseph Yates Porter of South Carolina, who died two weeks before Mary Ann gave birth to their only child. Mary Ann died at an early age of yellow fever, leaving behind young Joseph Yates Porter who grew up to become a doctor, famous for his efforts to control and prevent the disease that took his mother.
Source: The Golden Cockerel: The Art, Symbolism & History of the Stained Glass Windows, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Key West, Florida by Winifred Shine Fryzel.
Please consider making a donation to St. Paul's so that we may continue our work, including the stewardship of our beautiful grounds, buildings, and windows.
Login To Leave Comment