This 24″ x18″ Icon is the second one contributed to Casa Angelica in Albuquerque. Egg tempera with 24 kt. Italian gold background in water gilding technique. You might want an explanation on the Icon. Here it is:
“The Nativity”, The Birth of Our Lord ( I based on the 15th century Russian Icon)
The emphasis of the icon is on the figure of Our Lady who gave birth to God as she bore the name “Theotokos”, “God Bearer”. It is different from the Nativity we used to see depicted by the Western artists.
Top left expresses the Heavenly Joy of the Angels. The opposite side, the Angel announces the Good News to the shepherd. Below the Angels, on the left, are the three kings on their way to look for the King of kings. Left lower corner, is Saint Joseph who was confused by the devil who tried to tell him that it was impossible for a virgin to give birth. To the right, the servants are giving Baby Jesus a bath showing His earthly life.
Sister Elizabeth Tran, OSB 