The Madonna of the Rose Bower

Stefan Lochner (c. 1410–1451) — c. 1440–1442 · Oil on panel · Wallraf-Richartz Museum, Cologne

“As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.” — Song of Solomon 2:2 (KJV)

About

Stefan Lochner's Madonna (Cologne, about 1440–1442) sits in a garden of roses and strawberries on a grassy bench, the Christ child holding an apple, tiny angels crowding in with music and gifts, God the Father blessing from above.

The Meaning

Every detail preaches: the apple in Christ's hand answers Eden's apple — the second Adam taking up what the first let fall. The rose bower is the garden of the Song of Songs turned into a throne room of gentleness.

For Us Today

Pause inside the beauty God's world still holds, and worship. The garden of this picture is a reminder that the God of Eden and of Gethsemane delights to meet His people in gardens — walk with Him there daily.

Image: Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons — the file’s page. Tap the picture to open the full-size original there.