Exhibit: Symbols of the Holidays: from the Jean Outland Chrysler Art Library Collection

Thomas Cole (American, 1801-1848)
The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds, 1833
Oil on Canvas, 101.5 x 182.5 in (257.81 x 471.17 cm.)
Chrysler Museum of Art

December is a special time of year for everyone.  The brisk wind and the hint of snow herald a time of year to celebrate.  Both Hanukkah and Christmas occur in the month and each has their most recognizable symbols, such as the menorah and the dreidel for Hanukkah and the Christmas tree and the Nativity for Christianity.

Various menorot used for Hanukkah.
From the 1901-1906 Jewish Encyclopedia
Courtesy of Wikipedia

Combing the Jean Outland Chrysler Library collection, we have found images of familiar holiday traditions both new and old to share with you.  Some are photographs from our Tidewater region, some are from the Holy Lands, some are clever references to traditional songs, and some are beloved paintings from Norman Rockwell.

Taro Yamamoto, American, 1919-
Christmas Card to Jean from the artist
Paper
Chrysler Museum of Art

These images also reflect the general collection of the Chrysler Museum.  As the Museum holds pieces ranging from the ancient to the modern, so does our selection of images.  See a menorah from the 18th century, a Nativity scene from the 15th century, and art glass from the 20th century among many others in the Library Reading Room.  To see the symbols of the holidays, stop by and have a look at the Jean Outland Chrysler Library.







Lynne Fors
Library Assistant