Virtual Manuscript Library of Switzerland
Christmas scene in a 15th century manuscript (detail)
Christmas, also known as Nativity, refers to the accounts of the birth of Jesus mainly based on the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Traditionally, scenes of Nativity, portray the Holy Family in the stable at Bethlehem. The Christ child is represented lying in a manger or upon the straw, whilst Virgin Mary kneels in adoration before Him. In some scenes Virgin Mary is represented lying next to Jesus. Joseph is portrayed standing at one side. The scene also includes depictions of an ox and a donkey, usually in the background, gazing quietly at the scene in front of them.
Some Nativity scenes depict one or more angels who proclaim Jesus as the savior for all people, and portrayals of shepherds who come to adore Him. There are also scenes representing the wise men (The Maggi ) who, after following a star, arrive to Bethlehem to bring gifts to Jesus.
Link to the "Christmas scenes" set
Manuscript title: The Missal of Urbain Bonivard, Prior of Saint Victor in Geneva
Origin: Geneva (Switzerland)
Period: 15th century
Image source: Genève, Bibliothèque de Genève, Ms. lat. 30b, p. 13r – The Missal of Urbain Bonivard, Prior of Saint Victor in Geneva (www.e-codices.unifr.ch/en/bge/lat0030b/13r)
Christmas scene in a 15th century manuscript (detail)
Christmas, also known as Nativity, refers to the accounts of the birth of Jesus mainly based on the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Traditionally, scenes of Nativity, portray the Holy Family in the stable at Bethlehem. The Christ child is represented lying in a manger or upon the straw, whilst Virgin Mary kneels in adoration before Him. In some scenes Virgin Mary is represented lying next to Jesus. Joseph is portrayed standing at one side. The scene also includes depictions of an ox and a donkey, usually in the background, gazing quietly at the scene in front of them.
Some Nativity scenes depict one or more angels who proclaim Jesus as the savior for all people, and portrayals of shepherds who come to adore Him. There are also scenes representing the wise men (The Maggi ) who, after following a star, arrive to Bethlehem to bring gifts to Jesus.
Link to the "Christmas scenes" set
Manuscript title: The Missal of Urbain Bonivard, Prior of Saint Victor in Geneva
Origin: Geneva (Switzerland)
Period: 15th century
Image source: Genève, Bibliothèque de Genève, Ms. lat. 30b, p. 13r – The Missal of Urbain Bonivard, Prior of Saint Victor in Geneva (www.e-codices.unifr.ch/en/bge/lat0030b/13r)