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The picture shows an illustration from the block book Canticum Canticorum. (Block books are short books of up to 50 leaves, printed in Europe in the second half of the 15th century as woodcuts with blocks carved to include both text and illustrations.) This charming book is an allegorical treatise of the Song of Solomon with Christ and Mary as the principal actors. The elegant female figures are beautifully presented with their graceful movements and demure behaviour imbuing the composition with a serene harmony. All erotic and sensuous overtones of the famous Old Testament song in honour of love in marriage are here repressed. Mary Ecclesia, the bride, is in the company of her virgin attendants, while Christ, youthful and beardless as young groom, offers his bride only the most gentle solace and comfort.
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