c. 1500 (National Gallery)
The 'Mystic Nativity' by Sandro Botticelli was painted in 1500 on oil on canvas and hangs in the national Gallery next to his other work 'Mars and Venus'. As in a typical nativity scene, the Holy family is gathered around a baby Jesus whose arms are outstretched and reaching towards his mother, Mary. The way Jesus is presented reminds the viewer of his earthly nature, reaching out to his mother in the same way any baby does. However, Botticelli cleverly doubles the Inn they are supposedly to have found refuge in with a cave, signaling the humble beginnings of Jesus life whilst simultaneously pointing towards the reason of his birth - his death and burial in the cave and ultimate resurrection. Botticelli therefore puts at the forefront of the message regarding Jesus' birth the reminder of what is to come.
Although this seems a tad macabre, this juxtaposition of Jesus' birth and his death was a common theme in Christian art, with the crucifix sometimes appearing in the scene as well (in this case it can be seen on the neck of the horse). Botticelli takes this theme further by reminding the viewer what is birth and death brings - a new beginning. The middle scene is removed from what takes place in the upper and lower levels but both signal the magnificence of Jesus' birth. In the upper level a group of angels (12 angles for the 12 tribes of Israel) can be seen dancing beneath what seems to be an opening from heaven, celebrating the birth of Jesus and holding olive branches and white ribbons which symbolizes the peace which Jesus brings to the world. Just below this dancing group of angels, a trinity of angels are seen in white, green, and red, symbolizing faith, hope, and love. The overt use of olive branches directly relates to how Jesus was termed 'Prince of Peace' by Fra Savonarola in his sermons - a powerful Dominican friar who took control of Florence after the expulsion of the Medici's and whom Botticelli was a follower of. Savonarola highly influenced Botticelli and the 'Mystic Nativity' contains many elements from Savonarola's ideologies - including the Greek inscription at the top (if you'd like to know more about Savonarola's influences on Botticelli send me a message and we can chat).
The bottom section of the artwork seems quite strange, with angels seemingly wrestling with humans and demons darting into openings in the ground. This section represents the beginning of a new age of peace where Botticelli represented known Christian martyrs of the time being pulled from purgatory by these angels whilst the demons flee into crevices and some are pierced by their own weapons (overall 7 demons for the 7 deadly sins inspired by Dante).
The disjointed scenes of the 'Mystic Nativity' gives a feeling of disorder and chaos and the convergence of different worlds and motifs. This might be purposefully done to draw attention to the fact that Jesus brings order and rebirth, creating a new world order where love and peace will reign. It is this that we are reminded of during Christmas and perhaps the miracle is not Jesus birth, but that a person preached love, compassion, inclusivity. The true miracle is acceptance of all.
I hope this year brings you peace and safety, Merry Christmas xxx
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