Illuminated Manuscript digitally painted by Capio Lumen. This painting is available as a limited edition pigmented ink jet print. Each print is numbered, dated and signed by the artist. This Giclée print, French for inkjet, is printed using Epson archival pigmented inks on fine art paper. The print is “light fast” for 100 years when kept under glass and out of direct sunlight. It is available in these four print sizes.
6.5 X 8.5 Unmated: Numbered Edition of 150: Print size 5.5 X 7.0: ($20.00)
11 X 14 Matted: Numbered Edition of 300: Print size 6.75 X 8.5: ($50.00)
16 X 19 Framed: Numbered Edition of 300: Print size 6.25 X 8.0: ($100.00)
24 X 30 Unmated: Numbered Edition of 50: Print size of 21 X 27: ($300.00
- A.P. Artist Proof is 10% of the edition size
Advent-Luke 2-7 in English ©2024
English Translation
And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
About this Painting
In the second chapter of Luke, he describes how Mary gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. This painting depicts the manger with Mary holding the Christ child, wrapped in cloths, and about to be placed in the manger. A donkey and an ox overlook the manger. Joseph is depicted to the right thanking in what is happening in front of him while Angles circle above the inn.
Symbolism in this Painting:
A brief explanation of the symbolism in this painting:
By using a royal purple in the background, I am referencing the primary color used during the Advent season. Purple symbolizes the anticipation of the birth of Christ. It is also a color used to describe the sky just before dawn. Purple also represents penance, preparation and sacrifice. Liturgical vestments worn and candles used for the first and second Sundays of the Advent season are purple, followed by pink, the color of joy and celebration in the third week. Joseph is dressed in a pink while meditating on the birth of Christ. Mary is dressed in blue the color of royalty. Blue is also seen in the morning sky just before the first rays of sunlight.
Connecting Mary and Josph is a wooden box that contains hay for the animals to eat. It is also the crib or manger where the Christ Child is placed to sleep. Behind the manger are a donkey and ox gazing at the Holy Family. At the top center of the icon, you see a very faint ancient star map that extends down to encompass the Nativity.
In the border surrounding the Nativity are highly stylized acanthus plants painted gold and silver. These colors are used to reference the gifts from the three Kings that the Christ Child will soon receive.
Stylized acanthus plants have been used as a decorative motif as early as 500 BCE in Grecian art. In ancient Greek architecture acanthus leaf ornamentation appears extensively in the capitals of the Corinthian and Composite orders of architecture. In Christian art, the plant is used is a symbol of immortality and resurrection.
I use the butterfly as a symbol for angels. The butterfly is also a symbol of the cycles of life, caterpillar, chrysalis and finally, the butterfly. There are two bees, and a couple of ants scattered throughout the composition. Both are used because of their industrious habits, as symbols of activity, diligence, work, and good order. The spots of the seven-spot ladybug symbolize Mary’s Seven Joys and Seven Sorrows.
Return and Refund Policy
I am committed to the quality of my prints and your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 7 days of receipt for a full refund for the price of the print. Please see refund policy at the bottom of the check-out page.