Highlights

Description

In the 18th century, nativity scenes were almost exclusively exhibited publicly in churches and convents. In this nativity scene by the Servite Order, a Catholic Order committed to poverty, both the narratives of the nativity story according to the Evangelist Luke as well as the Evangelist Matthew are combined in a staging by juxtaposing the adoration of the shepherds with the adoration of the kings. They thereby created a nativity scene that conveyed to the viewers that people of all social classes are united in faith. The Servites staged their nativity scene in a thoroughly original way. For example, one of the shepherds looks at the angels of the Annunciation through a telescope, and the entourage of one of the kings is dressed like French musketeers.