Feasts & the Holy Family
Triptych of the Nativity
Closed, the Annunciation
Ἡ Γέννησις τοῦ Χριστοῦ
- Technique
- Egg tempera and gold leaf on wood
- Status
- Completed · private collection
About this icon
Open, the triptych shows the Nativity. At the centre, the Mother of God rests beside the Child laid in the manger, in the dark cave, beneath the ray of the star. On the wings are the angels and the shepherds; below, Joseph sits apart, deep in thought.
Closed, the two doors show the Annunciation: the Archangel Gabriel on one side, the Virgin Mary on the other. The same object thus holds the promise and its fulfilment.