Nativity

Print

-

Calvin University Center Art Gallery

The image depicts a vibrant, colorful scene with a starry night sky where angels play instruments and dance above a lively rural landscape filled with rolling hills, crops, and a village. On the ground, people in traditional attire engage in various activities including tending to animals, conversing and gathering around the Holy Family.

The image depicts a vibrant, colorful scene with a starry night sky where angels play instruments and dance above a lively rural landscape filled with rolling hills, crops, and a village. On the ground, people in traditional attire engage in various activities including tending to animals, conversing and gathering around the Holy Family.

Name/Title

Nativity

Entry/Object ID

1988.10.1c

Description

People coming over hills to small shed with couple and baby to bring gifts. Angels dance in the sky.

Type of Print

Color Serigraph

Category

Biblical People, On-Display at Calvin Seminary, Design/Pattern/Shape, Architecture, Landscape, Animals, Plants and Nature
People

Made/Created

Artist

John August Swanson

Date made

1987

Dimensions

Dimension Description

image size

Height

40 in

Width

14 in

Dimension Description

frame size

Height

51 in

Width

23-1/4 in

General Notes

Note

Expanded Description: This panel captures the humility of the birth of Christ with Mary and Joseph in a simple manger surrounded by farm animals. Poor people from the countryside bring their meager offerings to share with the homeless family. In the background, sheep, goats, cows and donkeys appear against the rolling hills of the surrounding villages. Even a child has come to serenade while angels play music and dance in celebration high in the night sky.