10 Artworks Inspired by Christmas: An Artful Advent

This ornate portrayal of the three kings visiting baby Jesus was painted in 1423 and has since been deemed the culmination of the international gothic style. The painting was commissioned by the wealthy Florentine banker Palla Strozzi as a gift for a Florentine church. Strozzi stands behind the youngest king, his gaze boldly meeting that of the observer. The painting is full of pomp and sumptuous in detail, harkening back to Christmas’s Christian origins whilst affirming that the gift giving of Christmas did not originate with Coca-Cola.

Adoration of the Magi | Rubens

Rubens loved The Adoration of the Magi. He loved it so much he painted it over, and over and over again. A staunch Catholic, Rubens rebelled against Protestantism with the luxurious colors and fabrics afforded to him by the Magi. Glimpsing this scene, the viewer can imagine a fire lit, stockings hung, rich colors and mulled wine. The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London, W1U 3BN, UK, +44 207563 9500

The Adoration of the Shepherds by El Greco | © WikiCommons

The Adoration of the Shepherds | El Greco

El Greco (‘The Greek’) was a 17th century Cretan painter who was deeply religious and prayed intensely. El Greco settled in Toledo, Spain, where he firmly immersed himself within the Spanish Renaissance tradition. His deeply religious beliefs and tendency towards mysticism impart his paintings with shadowy conviction. ‘The Adoration of the Shepherds’ depicts the ecstatic reception of the birth of Christ. Angels hover and shepherds kneel, while light and darkness compose a sense of awe. This painting was intended to hang over El Greco’s tomb – as the angels watched over Jesus in birth, Jesus would watch over El Greco in death. Museo Nacional del Prado, Paseo del Prado, Madrid, Spain, +34 91330 2800

The Mystical Nativity | Boticelli

‘The Mystical Nativity’ is not your typical adoration of the birth of Christ type of painting. It combines the New Testament birth of Christ with the Book of Revelation’s Second Coming and there are embedded references everywhere. The garbs of angels dance in the breeze, embracing figures morph into each other – even the rocks on the land appear soft to touch. This brightly lit and exuberant depiction of the Christmas nativity scene brightens the spirit of viewer, believer or not. The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN ,UK, +44 207747 2885

Snow at Argenteuil by Monet | © WikiCommons

Snow at Argenteuil | Claude Monet

Monet’s ‘Snow at Argenteuil’ series is comprised of 18 paintings, all depicting the snow strewn landscape of Argenteuil, where the French Impressionist lived in the winter of 1874-1875. In this particular piece, a couple stands at the far end of a road, arm in arm, the outlines of their bodies melding into the snow. The ‘envelope of atmosphere’ created by Monet transports the viewer to crisp winter afternoons inevitably followed by a thawing out by a fireplace. The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN, UK, +44 207747 2885

Caspar David Friedrich’s ‘Winter Landscape’ is full of symbolism. A crippled man sits before a crucifix – his crutches having been discarded in the snow – and prays for salvation. In the mist behind, a gothic church tower emerges. The rocks and the evergreen trees may have been intended as symbols of faith, steadfast and unmoving, but they also evoke the feels and shape of Christmas tree, standing majestically in a field of white snow. The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN, UK, By Lucy Andia The Culture Trip showcases the art, food, culture and travel for every country in the world. Have a look at our Europe sections to find out more or become involved.