10 Artworks Inspired by Christmas: An Artful Advent
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/56-292881-111.webp)
If in Europe, ‘tis the season to cozy up in wooly knits, sip hot buttered rum, wander winter wonderlands and ice skate. If on the other side of the world, it’s time to don a Christmas hat and sling some snags on the BBQ. Wherever you are, scenes of Christmas warm the heart. Christmas in art can mean many things – from advertisements and cartoons to winter landscapes and nativity scenes. We take a look at some sensationally seasonal artworks.
![The Adoration of the Magi by Gentile da Fabriano](https://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-292866-fbriano.jpg?s=10x)
1. Adoration of the Magi | Gentile da Fabriano Fabriano
Church
![The Adoration of the Magi by Peter Paul Rubens](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/56-292869-rubens.webp)
The Christmas Book | Norman Rockwell
No one paints Americana Christmas better than Norman Rockwell. Most famous for his cover illustrations for The Saturday Evening Post, Rockwell painted happy families, beagles with bows and children clutching wholesomely wrapped boxes like no other. Sleigh-rides, caroling, and decorating Christmas trees, this book satisfies each and every holiday craving.
![Coca-Cola Santa Truck](https://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-292871-coca-cola-truck.jpgopen1.jpg?s=10x)
Coca-Cola Santa | Haddon Sundblom
In 1931, Coca-Cola commissioned illustrator Haddon Sundblom to create a Santa Claus for their advertisements. The original painting has not survived, as economic concerns during the Great Depression led Sundblom to paint over his original canvas. However, the reproduced images and resilient Christmas cheer remain. No Christmas is complete without a rosy-cheeked jolly Santa chuckling and clutching a bottle of Coca-Cola.
![The Mystical Nativity by Sandro Botticelli](https://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-292874-the-mystical-nativity.jpgopen888.jpg?s=10x)
The Snowman | Raymond Briggs
Raymond Briggs’s beloved children’s book was published in 1978. It has since been adapted into an animated film, theatrical production and even a video game. The ethereal images capture perfectly the magic and mystery of a child’s Christmas. The images seem to glow with a light inside and their quiet beauty makes them truly memorable Christmas artworks.
![Winter Landscape with Bird Trap, Pieter Brueghel the Younger](https://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-292878-111.jpg?s=10x)
Winter Landscape with Bird Trap | Pieter Brueghel the Younger
The 17th century Flemish painter Pieter Brueghel the Younger is known for his picturesque village scenes, landscapes, and religious subjects. In this delicate portrayal of winter village life, people play on the ice – running, almost dancing, maybe falling. Snow-capped houses line a frozen river, with darkened windows only hinting the warmth inside.
![Winter Landscape by Caspar David Friedrich](https://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-292839-caspar-david-friedrich-winter-landscape-wga8243.jpgopen.jpg?s=10x)
2. Winter Landscape | Caspar David Friedrich
Church, Museum
![City, London, England, Square, St. Martin, Trafalgar, UK, architecture, church, National Gallery, tourism, travel, blue, cock,](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/e7nxxy.webp)
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.