https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Baptiste_Marie_Pierre
In Italy the Nativity is presented as a commercial Christmas image far more than in the States. You don't typically find Santa Claus and the reindeer in Italia. Instead, you find every variation on the manger scene. I am not a particularly religious person but I am drawn to the Nativity because it is always fascinating to see the individual artist's interpretations.
In this painting by Jean Baptiste Marie Pierre the cow looks bored, the sheep could care less and Joseph is just checking it out over Mary's shoulder. But everyone else is focused on the event. The manger here seems spacious but for an artist who was the "Premier Court Painter for the King of France", this was no doubt his vision of "lowly".
Thanking you all for reading and for your support. And wishing you all a safe holiday.
