In this icon of the Nativity of Christ, the Mother of God (Mary) is depicted kneeling before a cave in a hill. The newborn Christ lies in a manger with the star of Bethlehem shining upon him as an ox and an ass look on. Three angels surround them and the three Magi present gifts. To the right Joseph, Mary’s husband, listens gloomily to an old shepherd who is traditionally seen as the devil in disguise. The Evil One is tempting Joseph to doubt the truth of the incarnation and virgin birth. Below a midwife, named Zelomi, prepares to wash the newborn child. With her is another named Salome, first cousin of Christ’s mother, who questions Mary’s virginity. When she touched Mary to test her physically, Salome’s hand withered. It was healed when she repented. This story is related in the apocryphal Protoevangelion of James. The traditional or “old” style composition of this subject disappoints Westerners used to the innocent joy of Italian and German Nativity scenes. However, this example shows strong Western influence and therefore has a more cheerful and intimate feel. The shape and size of this icon suggests it was from an iconostasis in a small chapel or church. Stylistically, this icon conforms to those produced in the Ural Mountain region east of Moscow, possibly Nevyansk.
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