Ed Little (American, B. 1957) "Christmas "The Holy Tradition", Manger in Christmas Tree" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 25c Madonna & Child stamp issued October 18, 1990. The Virgin Mary was long relegated to obscurity by Christian fathers who wanted to insure that her presence would not overshadow Christ. For centuries after the birth of Christ, Mary was depicted as a stern, austere figure whose primary function was to call attention to her child as the Son of God. Her warmth and tenderness -- indeed, her most basic human qualities -- were largely ignored until the 14th century. In the 1300's, the celebration of Christmas began to move away from Church control. Peasants who could not read or understand the Latin hymns introduced songs of their own into the liturgy, with melodies based on dance rhythms and words sung in their native tongues. These simple people, craving an intermediary for their petitions to God, perceived Mary as someone who was like them and would be sympathetic to their needs and desires. St. Francis of Assisi found a way to make Mary and her son even more real to the people: he built the first cr?che scene of the Nativity, which was overwhelmingly popular. Medieval sculptors, painters and cathedral makers exalted the Mother of God, until the simple Nazarene girl was almost lost amid the elaborateness of the art that glorified her. Image Size: 17.5 x 15 in. Overall Size: 23 x 19 in. Unframed. (B12668)