Month of Mary 

Joan Brull painted this scene of girls decorating an altar with flowers using oil on canvas. The artist’s choice of oil paint, a traditional medium, is interesting when considering the subject. We see children engaged in the handmade task of creating flower garlands, celebrating the Month of Mary. The delicate flowers, carefully woven together, stand in contrast to the more permanent medium of oil paint. Brull captures the ephemeral beauty of the flowers, preserving a moment of childhood innocence and devotion. The arrangement, a skilled tradition passed down through generations, connects the girls to a rich history of creative practices. Notice the contrast between the labor of the girls and the motherly figure in the background doing needlework, perhaps mending or making clothing. These daily and seasonal activities are given significance by Brull, who elevates the handmade and domestic sphere. Ultimately, Brull's "Month of Mary" reminds us of the value in everyday rituals, and the importance of recognizing skill wherever we find it.