Christmas. Pictorial Inspirations exhibition 6+

✨Ahead of the Christmas holidays, Matenadaran will open an exhibition titled "Christmas. Pictorial Inspirations" featuring exclusive miniatures, many of which will be displayed for the first time.

One of the key episodes in Christ's earthly life, the Nativity, holds a significant place among the 12 themes within the Christological cycle in Armenian miniature painting, illustrating various moments from Christ’s life. When depicting the nativity scene, Armenian miniaturists were inspired by both scriptural and apocryphal texts.

​Images depicting the Nativity scene in Armenian art have been preserved since the sixth century. Notable examples include the bas-relief of the renowned Odzun monument, scenes portraying the Nativity and the Adoration of the Magi on the ivory cover of the Etchmiadzin Gospel, and the "Adoration of the Magi" miniature within the same manuscript. Although this scene emerges a bit later in miniature painting, the earliest known samples are observed in illustrated gospels dating back to the eleventh century.

​In accordance with accepted iconography, the central figures in the Nativity scene are the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child situated within the cave. The donkey and the ox are depicted at the manger, conveying a message of obedience and adoration.The guiding star of Bethlehem illuminates the scene from above, directing attention to the manger, while celestial beings-he angels-bestow blessings and glorify the birth of Christ. Positioned in quiet contemplation, Joseph is typically portrayed in the lower left corner of the miniature.

​The nativity scene often incorporates elements of the adoration of the Magi, the visitation of the shepherds, and the ritual of the baby bath. The three Magi, Melkon, Gaspar, and Baghdasar, are typically portrayed in regal attire, occasionally accompanied by horses, presenting their offerings of gold, frankincense (aromatic resin), and myrrh to Christ. Shepherds are commonly depicted tending to their flocks, playing musical instruments, or holding staffs. The scene of the baby bath is usually depicted in the lower right corner of the composition. At its center is a basin filled with water, with one midwife holding a jug and the other preparing to immerse the Child in the water or He is already portrayed in the water. One of these midwives is identified as Eve. In this episode, Eve's character symbolizes redemption.