Holy Night c. 19th century

Curator: Here we have Achille Désiré Lefèvre’s "Holy Night," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's mostly grayscale, but what really strikes me is how Lefèvre has bathed the newborn Christ in light; it's as though the scene is lit from within. Curator: Indeed, the chiaroscuro is striking. Lefèvre masterfully uses tonal contrasts to direct the viewer's gaze, emphasizing the divine nature of the event. Note how the figures around the manger all point to one another. Editor: It’s as if each figure is caught in the wonder of it all; even the angels seem to be joining in on the excitement from up above. Curator: Precisely. Through its composition and distribution of light, "Holy Night" transcends a simple narrative scene, becoming a profound meditation on faith. Editor: Yes, it’s quite powerful how Lefèvre can use a simple scene to evoke something so profound.