The dominant figure of the angel in this wood carved nativity from Madagascar reflects a tradition of religious art which can be observed in various cultures. Here the angel does not hold the role of messenger so much as represents the presence of divine reality. Where there is an angel, God is present, and where there is a tall angel like this one, divine presence is particularly intense. In this case, an effort was made to link traditional religion with Christianity; the angel stands also for the Great Spirit that governs the universe.

What seems like an island of ragged contours is, in fact, no island but the continent of God's presence, sometimes visible, as in the Incarnation, but mostly hidden by seas of busy indifference. However, the offer of Christmas stands firm. As a star sends its light to the world, so the Christ child extends his loving call to all of creation.

Romanesque Realism
Sisters of Bethlehem
France

Artistic revivalism has been with us for ever. We find it in the periodical rediscovery of sacred icons, the rehabilitation of antiquity during the Renaissance, the retrieval of medieval forms and features in pre-Raphaelite art, etc. This nativity set illustrates contemporary interest in the simple and earth-bound beauty of Romanesque art. The Sisters of Bethlehem, who crafted this set, took their inspiration from stone-hewn figures and scenes on portals and capitals of Medieval French cathedrals such as Autun and Amiens.

The sober and straight lines of the overall design lend the characters a dignified immobility. It is contrasted with their big hands and eyes that speak a different language. Although mostly folded in peaceful contemplation of the Christ child, the heavy hands suggest a longstanding and active familiarity with the concrete realities of this world. They are delightfully offset by the rounded eyes filled with wonder and kindness. The figure of Mary is a telling example of Romanesque realism. Not yet kneeling in adoration as in subsequent periods, but exhausted and reclining, she gives the child the shelter of her body, and holds his head in a gesture of maternal affection.

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