This brilliant painting by the late 15th century artist, Hugo van der Goes, is titled: The Adoration of the Shepherds. The image was likely intended to be placed over an altar, hence the elongated dimensions.
Van der Goes lived 1440-1482. In the late 1470's he suffered a psychological breakdown and tried to take his own life. He completed this Nativity scene in 1480 and died two years later in 1482. The artist seems to have belonged to a kind of quasi-monastic community, which likely deepened the painting's spiritual content.
The Mother of God and Joseph, dressed in rich colors, pray peacefully over the newborn. The Christ Child is unwrapped and perhaps a little ghostly. He wriggles, as babies do, but is also somewhat splayed, perhaps suggesting the crucifixion. The wheat bundle at the bottom of the manger bed reminds us of Jesus' teaching and gift, "I am the bread of life."
Ten angels, clustered like friends, join the meditation. They are Christ's entourage. Four excited shepherds enter the scene from the left. Two are in a great hurry, one bending low, the other pulling his cap off his head. Two others are behind them outside; one is clapping his hands to the tune of his flute playing friend. They share the joy of the angels' hillside message. Indeed, that sub-scene is shown on the far right as we look out through a window.
But perhaps the most dramatic and wonderful bit about this painting is the two prophets on left and right who are pulling back curtains affixed to a rod. In the Birth of Christ at Bethlehem, God is pulling back the veil that has kept us apart. The prophet on the right looks directly at us - the viewers - as if to say, "Come on in; join Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and angels, even the animals and the little plants, as intimate partners in this revelation." The sky offers the depth of its colors. A hint of sunlight is seen in the outside scene on the left: in Christ, there is a new day for each of us and all of us.
Over the years, wonderful friends have helped with the posts offered here: young Katie shared her poem, artist friends offered insights to paintings, my tech and science friend helps daily. And here, a dear friend who I met when I was a young priest in 1980, plays Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring on his solo bass. Click on the painting's arrow and enjoy the gifts.
I send a blessing, gratitude and good wishes to all ~
Happy Christmas to you and your family.
Father Stephen
