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Leaf from a Book of Hours: The Nativity (recto), c. 1430. Creator: Unknown
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Leaf from a Book of Hours: The Nativity (recto), c. 1430. Creator: Unknown
Leaf from a Book of Hours: The Nativity (recto), c. 1430. Representing Gods entry into the world, the Nativity remains one of medieval paintings most poignant Christian images. In the Gospels, only Matthew and Luke directly described this event. Perhaps the brevity and absence of detail in these texts allowed artists to devote so much creativity to amplifying the Christmas story. This miniatures simplicity makes it compelling. Only the three principals--Mary, Joseph, and the newly born Christ Child--appear in the scene. The Virgin kneels before an elegant canopied bed made sumptuous by a richly embroidered textile, which stands in contrast to the nearby rustic fence and receding landscape. This scene probably follows the mystical visions of Saint Bridget of Sweden who visited Bethlehem in 1370, and whose written accounts circulated widely after her canonization in 1391: " When her time came she took off her shoes and her white cloak and undid her veil.... Then she made ready the swaddling clothes which she put down beside her. When all was ready she bent her knees and began to pray. While she was thus praying with hands raised the child was suddenly born, surrounded by a light so bright that it completely eclipsed Josephs feeble candle."
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Media ID 19621797
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Tempera And Gold On Vellum Northeastern France
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a leaf from a Book of Hours, specifically depicting "The Nativity" from around 1430. As one of the most poignant Christian images in medieval paintings, it represents God's entry into the world. The simplicity of this miniature painting is what makes it so compelling. Only three figures are present: Mary, Joseph, and the newly born Christ Child. The scene unfolds with the Virgin kneeling before an elegant canopied bed adorned with richly embroidered textiles, creating a striking contrast against the nearby rustic fence and receding landscape. It is believed that this depiction follows the mystical visions of Saint Bridget of Sweden who visited Bethlehem in 1370. Her written accounts circulated widely after her canonization in 1391 and likely influenced artists' interpretations of the Christmas story. According to her visions, as she prepared for childbirth, she removed her shoes, cloak, and veil before laying down swaddling clothes beside her. With hands raised in prayer, surrounded by a brilliant light that outshone even Joseph's feeble candle flame, she witnessed the sudden birth of Jesus. Preserved through time on this leaf from a Book of Hours, this image serves as both a visual representation and reminder of the profound significance behind Christ's birth during Christmas season.
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