Fritz Wegner: Journey to Bethlehem

Artist: Fritz Wegner
1924 -
Nationality: Austrian
Artwork Year: 1979
Image Size: 7 by 6 inches
Overall Size: 11 by 9.5 inches
Medium: Water Color on Hot Press Illustration Board

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. (Luke 2: 1-5). On that first Christmas, the world was in a troubled state. The Romans had conquered Palestine, violently crushing Jewish revolts. To pay for the devastation, Caesar decreed that the people would be heavily taxed. Each man was, therefore, ordered to register for the tax in the city of his forefathers, and Joseph began preparations to travel to Bethlehem, his ancestral home. His espoused wife Mary, great with child, traveled with him along the rough roadway. Throughout the long journey, the patient carpenter, leaning heavily on his wooden staff, led the donkey on which his wife rode. On reaching Bethlehem, they were among many exhausted travelers who found the bustling village filled with caravans stopping for provisions. Finally, in desperation, they found shelter in a stable that offered protection from the night wind. Thus, their long journey ended. Today, rich, poor, proud and humble all meet on this road to Bethlehem, the same road that led to the first Christmas, so many years ago.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day of Issue Proofcard for the Great Britain 13p Journey to Bethlehem stamp issued November 21, 1979.

Artwork Copyright © 1979 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB05626

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