Before sending it out to the membership, someone who works for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints decided to alter the 17th-century painting, “The Nativity,” by Carlo Maratta.
Apparently angels and the Virgin’s neckline were the culprits.
Not only has this masterpiece stood the test of time, but give credit to the church for recognizing its beauty in the first place, and kudos go to BYU’s Museum of Art that sells copies of the original in its gift shop.
Somewhere along this strange path that someone needs to revisit the 13th Article of Faith: If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things,” That last phrase does not read “we seek to edit these things.”
Thomas L. Durham, Sandy
