Nativity

This icon depicts the Nativity of Jesus and is placed above the altar of the Nativity Grotto in Bethlehem. It shows the newborn Christ lying in a manger, with the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. The icon emphasizes the humility of Christ’s birth and the revelation of God’s salvation to the world.

Egg tempera on linden wood with gilding, 45 × 35 cm. Executed according to the Byzantine tradition with an Italic stylistic interpretation, the work combines sacred gold, symbolic light, and refined tempera technique to create an image meant for contemplation and devotion.