Geertgen tot Sint Jans (ca. 1455-1485) is one of the most beloved primitive painters from the Netherlands, noted for his charming naiveté and the purity and simplicity of his style.
The Nativity at Night (ca 1490, oil on oak, 34 x 25.3 cm) is one of the most engaging and convincing early treatments of the Nativity as a night scene. The brilliant light in the foreground comes from the Christ Child in the crib. It illuminates the figure of the Virgin, who bends forward, hands joined in prayer, Saint Joseph in the background, and the figures of the delighted small angels to the left.
The radiance of the angel announcing the birth to the shepherds on the distant hillside provides another contrast between darkness and divine light. A third and lesser source of light comes from the shepherds’ fire.
The idea of the infant Christ illuminating the Nativity scene comes from the writings of the 14th-century Saint Bridget of Sweden. She wrote that in her visions the light of the new-born child was so bright ‘that the sun was not comparable to it’. A century later, the interest of artists such as Geertgen in depicting naturalistically the contrasts of extreme light and shade served to heighten the sense of the miraculous birth.
Pam Snyder said:
I’ve always been drawn to this picture, but never realized the details before. I love the idea of the illumination coming from the Christ child and the sweet look on Mary’s face. Thank you for sharing this, Jonie!!! Hope your Christmas season is blessed!
Barbara said:
This is very interesting Jonie! Thank you!
Dale Griffith said:
OH MY!!! Little Sister this is a wonderful post. As the day of celebration of His birth comes near I feel an anticipation as though I were a tiny child. I guess each of us are tiny children in His Light. Thank you for sharing Jonie. BLESSING TO YOU SISTER;
Juancav said:
It could not be otherwise, Light could not come from the darkness.
Holly said:
Beautiful and timely. Thank you for sharing this, Jonie!