Art is always a great inspiration when looking for an image to celebrate Christmas. The image illustrating this post shows the "Adoration of the Shepherds" (almost unanimously) attributed to Giorgione (1505-1510; the painting is preserved at the National Gallery of Washington, D.C.).
Still known as the Allendale Nativity, after a former owner, the painting is divided into two parts, with a dark cave on the right and a luminous Venetian landscape on the left. The main scene features two shepherds in front of the Nativity grotto, visiting Mary, Joseph and the Holy Child. The large figures in the foreground are juxtaposed to the smaller figures in the distance.
The characters' gaze is focused on the Infant Jesus in the Nativity grotto. The two shepherds and Joseph form a triad of people contemplating the Child: there is one young shepherd standing, a midde-aged one kneeling and then Joseph inside the grotto, representing an elder figure. They symbolise the three ages of life and connect this painting to Giorgione's "Adoration of the Magi".
The colours of Joseph and Mary's draped cloaks stand out, rising from the darkness behind them and contrasting with the tattered dress of the poor yet dignified shepherds who are the first to recognise Christ's divinity.
After the shopping frenziness and madness that surrounded us during the weeks preceding Christmas (and during the chaotic festive days...), this scene is just what we need - it inspires indeed quietness, meditation and contemplation. Merry Christmas to all Irenebrination readers!
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