The Nativity in Art

Welcome! All wonders in one sight!

Eternity shut in a span,

Summer in winter, day in night,

Heaven in earth, and God in man.

Great little one!

Whose all-embracing birth

Lifts earth to heaven, stoops heav’n to earth!
~Richard Crashaw

I enjoy collecting images of the nativity, so when I had an opportunity to go to the National Gallery of Art in October, I was delighted to see several of the paintings in real life for the first time.

There is much symbolism used in the art of the nativity, symbols which would have been understood by the people who viewed the art in the era it was created. I enjoy trying to figure out why the artist included this or that subject or object or composition.

For example, Cosimo’s “The Nativity with the Infant Saint John,” (at left) is one of numerous paintings that include the infant John the Baptist with baby Jesus. Many artists leave baby Jesus exposed and uncovered on the ground and I think, “Poor baby!” but I expect that’s because the artist wanted his humanness to be very obvious and clear.

Oftentimes, Joseph seems almost an afterthought and in many works he appears in miniature, as he does here, coming down the stairs. (Stairs=God’s descent to earth).

“The Adoration of the Magi” (Fra Angelico, c. 1445) while not one of my personal favorites, is a famous nativity which is all the more amazing when it is seen in person. The imagery is not as intimate as most nativity paintings, but it certainly grasps the idea that the Jesus has come as savior to all with its long line of waiting worshippers.

The inclusion of the peacock is a direct reference to eternity and resurrection. Another common sight is the ox and ass which are representative of the old and new testaments respectively.

"The Nativity,” (Lorenzo Lotto, 1523) has long been a favorite of mine. Here we see more than a simple nativity celebrating the birth of Jesus but also a surprising inclusion foreshadowing his death on the cross. In the pastoral distance, a figure stands on a hill overlooking a flock of sheep. Could this be a depiction of Jesus as shepherd? I like to think so.

It’s a masterful composition that beckons us to remember that this precious child grew up. It encourages us to go beyond the initial obvious focus of attention in the foreground.

In the painting and in life we are called to acknowlege the amazing birth and death of our savior…and then we are quietly invited to walk beyond, to join him where he waits for us to continue the journey…waiting to be the shepherd that guides us every day of our lives.