The Web has enabled me to pursue my education in art history in ways that would never have been possible before its invention and popularization. It was thus only a few years ago that I learned not to lump all Christmas nativity scenes into one giant category but instead to differentiate among:
The irreducible three elements of a true Nativity are Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child, with the latter often resting in a manger. Three additional elements are not essential but are traditionally present: a donkey, an ox, and one or more angels. The simplest Nativities of which I am aware are:
In contrast to those are such complex -- one might almost say "busy" -- depictions as this:
(1) Nativity;I hope to post links to examples of each during the coming weeks.
(2) Adoration of the Shepherds; and
(3) Adoration of the Magi.
The irreducible three elements of a true Nativity are Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child, with the latter often resting in a manger. Three additional elements are not essential but are traditionally present: a donkey, an ox, and one or more angels. The simplest Nativities of which I am aware are:
Nativity, by Lorenzo Costa, c. 1500 (?); and
Nativity, by sculptor Michel Anguier, c. 1665.
In contrast to those are such complex -- one might almost say "busy" -- depictions as this:
Nativity by Antoniazzo Romano, c. 1480.
It's amazing how the web has had the same effect on the way I read poetry. Instead of missing allusions because I don't have access to a college library, I use the web to instantly look up artwork or other works alluded to in a poem.
Posted by: loren | December 20, 2009 at 03:33 PM
Loren, it's so true that the Web is a dream come true for us lifelong learners. Always great to see you. :-)
Posted by: Ciara | December 27, 2009 at 01:46 AM