10 Artworks Inspired By Christmas: An Artful Advent

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

1. Adoration of the Magi | Gentile da Fabriano Fabriano

Church

The Adoration of the Magi by Peter Paul Rubens

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.

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 | 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

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

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

2. Winter Landscape | Caspar David Friedrich

Church, Museum

City, London, England, Square, St. Martin, Trafalgar, UK, architecture, church, National Gallery, tourism, travel, blue, cock,

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.