Overview
The story of the very first Christmas is captured here in all its mystery by some of the world's greatest painters, including Botticelli, Giorgione, Geertgen, Gossaert, Foppa, Patel, and Guido Reni. The beauty of the familiar words of the King James Version of the Bible weaves the glorious images together to create a new work of art: a Christmas story that will be treasured by readers young and old. This is the perfect Christmas gift for art lovers and a fantastic and accessible introduction to both the nativity story and these seminal works of art for young readers. The paintings are kept in the National Gallery in London, which houses the national collection of Western European painting from the 13th to the 19th centuries.
Synopsis
The story of the very first Christmas is captured here in all its mystery by some of the world's greatest painters, including Botticelli, Giorgione, Geertgen, Gossaert, Foppa, Patel, and Guido Reni. The beauty of the familiar words of the King James Version of the Bible weaves the glorious images together to create a new work of art: a Christmas story that will be treasured by readers young and old. This is the perfect Christmas gift for art lovers and a fantastic and accessible introduction to both the nativity story and these seminal works of art for young readers. The paintings are kept in the National Gallery in London, which houses the national collection of Western European painting from the 13th to the 19th centuries.
Children's Literature
Fine art and scripture—what a great combination. Even if the story of the first Christmas is familiar, the art masterpieces that depict the text are gorgeous and may not be as familiar as other traditional Christmas illustrations. From the delicate intricacies of angel wings on the endpapers to the last illustration detail for 'The Rest on the Flight into Egypt," the story comes to life as it was presented in the late Middle Ages to the early Renaissance era from such artists as Botticelli and Patel. The scripture is from the King James version of the Bible, considered the ultimate translation. The images are from the National gallery in London, known for its Italian painting collection. Meshing the two results in a superb artistic experience. Following the scripture are pages with the entire illustrations the details are culled from, along with the artist and a brief statement about the work. Not just for Christmas, or for the serious art student, this book is ideal for art lovers of all ages as well. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young