Christmas in the Attic

Christmas in the Attic - Kerst op Solder exhibition featuring unusual nativity groups

From 15 December 2004 until 6 January 2005 Museum Amstelkring, better known as the Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic) conventicle, will host the exhibition Kerst op Solder (Christmas in the Attic), featuring a range of unusual nativity groups. The artist Clemens Merkelbach from Enkhuizen will be responsible for a 'classical' 19th century group. In a subtle arrangement, in which he will use sand, straw and various types of greenery to create a seasonal atmosphere, he will link the ancient plaster statues to the 18th century painting by Jacob de Wit opposite the group.

The exhibition will also include an unusual group by Charles Hammes (1915-1991) comprising more than 80 figures modelled in clay. You will be amazed to learn that this group owes its existence to Hammes' mother's desire for a nativity group in her living room. The 'Adoration of the Magi' was first presented on a table in 1947. In the following years Hammes expanded his group to include many more figures. His father, the landscape painter Christiaan Hammes, painted the statues and created a desert scene to serve as a background. Over the years, the nativity group became too large to be put on show in the artist's home. The central figures are the Three Magi worshiping the Christ Child. The kings, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, symbolise Africa, Europe and Asia, but also the three phases in human life: youth, middle age and old age. In the Christmas period a special seasonal atmosphere always permeates the museum. Jemi Bloemsierkunst will create a wonderful experience of colours and fragrances in the church and the Sael (showroom). Impressive garlands will be suspended from the church's balustrades.

Bild: Museum Amstelkring

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Schedule: 15 December 2004 bis 06 January 2005

Location: Museum Amstelkring

Visitor Information: Museum Amstelkring, Ons'Lieve Heer op Solder
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40
NL-1012 GE Amsterdam
020 624 66 04 fon
020 638 18 22 fax
www.museumamstelkring.nl
www.amsterdamtourist.nl

Published: 07 December 2004 - Updated: 09 December 2004
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