Mary with Angels

Mary with Angels
Impressive, large piece
Original art created by Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel Circa 1938
Charcoal pastel
Dimensions 26" x 33”
Dimensions framed 33.5" x 38”

Berta Hummel entered the Convent of Siessen,
determined to devote her life and her art to the service of God.

Inquire for prices: 414-278-0088 

THE CONVENT OF SIESSEN
Deep in the German countryside, on land hallowed as a Convent for seven centuries, Berta passed through the gates of her new home. The rich scent of overturned earth was in the air as the Sisters set about spring planting.

Siessen was a self-supporting Convent founded by the Dominicans in the year 1259. In 1860, the Convent passed to a Franciscan Order dedicated to teaching and supportive of the arts. Outside the Convent, Europe was seething with anger and change. But within the ancient walls of Siessen, life was serene. Berta joined a community of about 250 Franciscan Sisters primarily involved in teaching.

As a novice, Berta was required to perform nearly every duty in the Convent, from baking bread to scrubbing floors. She designed exquisite vestments and altar clothes which were sewn in the Convent workshop. Most important, she was allowed the freedom to pursue her own artwork. In the quiet of the Convent, Berta painted masterful religious works. But as always, she continued sketching children.

She was surrounded by children most every day, for she taught art at St. Anna, a girls school in nearby Saulgau. The merry young novice won the hearts of her pupils. It became a tradition among Saulgau families to have Berta Hummel paint their children's portraits.
 
After a time, Berta began to regard Siessen as her home. In 1931, her novitiate complete, she committed the remainder of her life to her faith. She took the name Maria Innocentia and received her black veil and the ring which symbolized her marriage to Christ and the Church.

Sister Hummel's artwork was published in books and as art cards. The proceeds supported the Convent's teaching and missionary efforts. As the Sister's reputation grew, her artwork found its way to Munich.

• Hummel #:
  hum.org 003
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