Christmas in the Attic

Christmas in the Attic - Kerst op Solder exhibition

From 15 December 2005 through 6 January 2006 Museum Amstelkring, Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder presents the exhibition Kerst op Solder. Tens of different Nativities from private collections and from the collection of the museum will be on display. The extensive Hammes Nativity consists of no less than 81 people and 37 architectural fragments of terracotta. The scene of the adoration by the kings does not take place in the stable, but in the ruins of a Greek temple in a desert landscape. All races and nations gather around the Holy Family. The three kings worship the baby Jesus, but the household staff and other people present are less interested in the event; they submit themselves to less sophisticated human behaviour. With this, the artist has given an interesting view of the traditional Nativity. Aside from the Hammes Nativity, tens of other Nativities will be displayed, all from the rich collection of artist and collector Clemens Merkelbach from Enkhuizen. These include the so-called neo-gothic Nativity that probably originates from the Maria Magdalenakerk from the Spaarndammerbuurt. According to tradition, the church and other rooms in the museum will be decorated with green garlands and other Christmas decorations from Jemi Bloemsierkunst, located in the Warmoesstraat. The Sael will also be decorated this year; the company Fleur de Lys Tafelcultuur from Amsterdam will set up a unique table in Christmas atmosphere.

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 2005 bis 06 January 2006

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