The Annunciation - The Visitation - THE NATIVITY - The Resurrection - Descension - The Announcement to the Shepherds



There are two traditions in representations of the Nativity.

In the Western tradition, conception and the birth of Jesus fall within the Divine, Mary who remained a virgin and, as she was not subject to the curse of the daughters of Eve, did not suffer during childbirth. That is why she is depicted seated, holding the child Jesus on her lap.

At the end of the fourteenth century, under the Italian artistic influence, the Virgin is represented kneeling in the attitude of worship.

The Eastern tradition insists instead on the reality of the Incarnation of Jesus, the human nature of his birth: Mary postpartum, is portrayed laying down.

Isaiah 9 : 1-6 Luke 2 : 1-14

Note, probably to justify the Divine conception, Joseph is depicted as an old man.

Location: South wall left