Perhaps my Favorite of all the MW holiday paintings. This is truly one where the original must be viewed to grasp all of the nuances. The level of detail of the ornament wreath behind the seated figure is breathtaking. The forest, mountain, and moon as seen through the circular portal are rendered exquisitely with the detail obscured slightly by fog. When you look at it you can feel the winter chill and hear a beautiful silence that wraps you in serenity. The calmness of the seated woman is palpable. The folds of her robe cast many slight shadows. The wreath in her hair is a beautiful complement to the wreath of the portal. Her gentleness manifests itself with her delicate cradling of the white bird. Perhaps the signature feature is the way Michael frames the outer border of the piece with some haziness. This serves to draw one’s eyes and attention to all the wonderment in the center of the painting. It is also interesting to me in the temperature contrast the one feels. As mentioned, the portal view is a feeling of winter chill. You would think the interior portion would also be conveying coolness given all of the stonework. Instead, Michael’s color choices and shading convey a deep warmth. I apologize for my overly long comment but this painting moves me profoundly!!!!
Perhaps my Favorite of all the MW holiday paintings. This is truly one where the original must be viewed to grasp all of the nuances. The level of detail of the ornament wreath behind the seated figure is breathtaking. The forest, mountain, and moon as seen through the circular portal are rendered exquisitely with the detail obscured slightly by fog. When you look at it you can feel the winter chill and hear a beautiful silence that wraps you in serenity. The calmness of the seated woman is palpable. The folds of her robe cast many slight shadows. The wreath in her hair is a beautiful complement to the wreath of the portal. Her gentleness manifests itself with her delicate cradling of the white bird. Perhaps the signature feature is the way Michael frames the outer border of the piece with some haziness. This serves to draw one’s eyes and attention to all the wonderment in the center of the painting. It is also interesting to me in the temperature contrast the one feels. As mentioned, the portal view is a feeling of winter chill. You would think the interior portion would also be conveying coolness given all of the stonework. Instead, Michael’s color choices and shading convey a deep warmth. I apologize for my overly long comment but this painting moves me profoundly!!!!
It’s always been a favorite of mine as well.