Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 5, 1894.djvu/15

Rh They are represented as handsome men in the prime of life. One is always black in complexion, the others a light brown, and darker than the Italians. They reverently kneel to do homage, and bring costly offerings. The grandeur of the scene and the grouping sometimes remind one irresistibly of the great picture of the same scene by Veronese, in the Dresden Gallery. A general idea may be got from this picture, but most are not so elaborate.

(1) ''The Bambino in Sta. Maria in Aracieli'' (Rome).—At Christmastide this church (which stands on the site of the old citadel of Rome) offers a very pretty sight. It is thronged with children, who seem to regard it as their own special church. Rows of them kneel round the altar rails, the older folk giving place. But the great attraction is towards the west end, where one of the side chapels is filled with a representation of the Nativity. There in the centre stands Joseph; there sits Mary beside him, holding an image of the Child, gorgeously dressed in colours and jewels. The jewels on this image are very precious, and it is the chief treasure of the church. Afar off may be seen the Magi approaching, very small, to give the idea of perspective. All around are figures of onlookers, one, dressed in modern Italian costume, doing homage. The clouds are full of painted angels. All is "put on" in stage-fashion, with projecting side scenes and vistas, and side lights turned on with very pretty effect. Hawkers sell rough prints of the famous Bambino outside, one of which is sent herewith. Most of the churches at this season have a figure of the Holy Child over the altar.

The images in this Presepio were given thirty years ago by Prince Alexander Torlonia, and the old ones were sold or made away with. There used to be a group of Augustus and the Tiburtine Sibyl, who pointed out the Child, who appeared in the sky surrounded by a halo of light. Their figures are still in the church, painted one on each side of the arch above the high altar. The legend goes that Augustus raised an altar on the site of this church to the