N - Nativity

 Nativity is my name for this diptych (an artwork in two connected parts), a term from Greek meaning "pair of writing tablets."  I found it in the Goodwill Outlet bins, and it's one of my favorite pieces.  The artist is Marlinde von Ruhs, which is rather incredible to find!  The two parts are hinged, trimmed in gold braid and a tassel, with the backs covered in turquoise felt with beading.  It's the most amazing nativity I've ever seen!

Marlinde often mounted her smaller works in felt or velvet, brocade, and gold braiding.  According to some sources she didn't want them to be just paintings in a frame.  She liked the idea of a tactile, handmade presence.  I had assumed the framing and edging was added after the paintings left the artist's possession, and to find they were done by the artist herself was actually moving! 

An N poem form, Nonce, can be found here.