This has to be one of the most beautiful Christmas paintings I’ve seen. It is by Geertgen tot Sint Jans (c.1465-c.1495). Light emanates from the Christ child as if lighting the world. His light illuminates the face of his mother and father and a group of joyous angels. The only other sources of light in the painting come from an angel in the sky visiting a group of shepherds gathered around a small fire. The ox’s face is illuminated beautifully with the ass by his side. Joseph stands off to the side with a look of utter amazement on his face. Mary’s young face is illuminated beautifully as she serenely gazes upon her son.
Totally beautiful Christmas image that would make a wonderful Christmas card.
This image is copyright free and in the public domain anywhere that extends copyrights 70 years after death or at least 120 years after publication when the original illustrator is unknown.
