The Adoration of the shepherds 1622- Gerard van Honthorst     - Julia Powell

Gerard van Honthorst  (4 November 1592 – 27 April 1656)[1] was a Dutch Golden Age painter who became known for his depiction of artificially lit scenes, eventually receiving the nickname Gherardo delle Notti ("Gerard of the nights")  Early in his career he visited Rome, where he had great success painting in a style influenced by Caravaggio. Following his return to the Netherlands he became a leading portrait painter.

 This style of painting has similarities with two artists I have studied and given talks about, Frans Hals and Joseph Wright. I love the simple way the nativity is depicted and how The  Light of the World, Jesus, is reflected in the faces of the onlookers.

Julia

 

2)Tree in Dresden- Karin Williams

I am at home for Christmas this year but often go to Dresden as many things stay open for Christmas – a throwback to its East German history! We stay at the Westin Bellevieu hotel which is next to the Golden Equestrian Statue of King Augustus the Strong leading to the Haupttrasse, a long pedestrian road which becomes one long street market. Not far away you can cross Augustebrugge which you takes you over the river Elbe to even more street markets and many museums and art galleries! My favourite of course(and open Christmas morning!) houses many works of my favourite artist Bernardo Bellotti who resided here as Court Painter to guess who? Yes that chap Augustus again! Walking up the Hauptstrasse, maybe stopping to sample the Gluwein, we always see this wonderfully bright decorated tree and just looking at a photo of it brings many joyful memories.

3) Nativity by Frederico Barocci.- Jill Davies and Jean Brookbanks

Jill Davis says:“I have chosen Nativity by Frederico Barocci.This artist was an Italian Renaissance painter,born 1535 in Urbino Italy and died there in 1612.Major part of his work has a religious theme that was inspired by his deep faith.This picture appeals to me as so tenderly maternal. Mary and her child gaze into each other’s eyes and the composition emphasises their mutual bond.The enchantment and poetry of the painting is brought to life by the light that illuminates the whole stall.The picture is in the Museo de Prado in Madrid”.

Jean Brookbanks says:“I have chosen this Nativity scene because the artist has shown the baby Jesus as the light of the world whilst at the same time showing the love of Mary for her baby.

Federico Barocci (1530-1612), is one of the most important mannerist painters of the 16th century who applied an extraordinary use of colour, characterised by warm colour shades, to his artistic work. The major part of Barocci’s masterpieces have a religious theme that was inspired by his deep faith. According to Barocci, art has the extraordinary ability to represent the transcendent presence of the invisible God before the eyes of the onlooker.

The Nativity is brought to life by the light that illuminates the whole stall and calls to mind the words of the Gospel: “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” (Jn 1:9).

The light comes from that child whose head is nestled on the white cushion and whose splendour is reflected in the eyes of the animals that surround Him. Mary’s blue mantle covers the Baby which signifies the humility of God who allowed Himself to be clothed in humanity.”