"Christian iconography expresses in images the same Gospel message that Scripture communicates by words. Image and word illuminate each other." CCC 1160
Saint Nicholas Providing Dowries - Bicci di Lorenzo (c. 1433)
The story of Santa Claus comes from the historical person of
Saint Nicholas of Myra, born sometime between 260 and 280, in the village of
Patara, Greece, now part of Turkey.
This tempera and gold on wood painting by Bicci di Lorenzo
depicts the story that most links Saint Nicholas with Santa Claus. The one of a wealthy man who had fallen on
hard times and was not able to offer the necessary dowry for his three
daughters. Saint Nicholas went at night
and dropped gold coins down their chimney or possibly through their window as
is depicted in this painting. All three
daughters were subsequently married with a suitable dowry. The man discovered the identity of this “gift-giver”
after waiting up late one night catching Saint Nicholas as he dropped the third
bag of gold for the man’s youngest daughter.
Part of Three Legends of Saint Nicholas Triptych - Gerard David (1460-1523)
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Picture Source - Public Domain
The Role of Religious Art in Faith Formation Index
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