Birth of Christ 1405

Andrei Rublev's "Birth of Christ" (1405) is a significant icon in Russian art. This tempera-on-wood panel depicts the central moment of the Nativity of Christ, with the Virgin Mary lying in the cave, cradling the newborn Jesus, while shepherds and wise men approach in the background. The icon, housed in Moscow's Cathedral of the Annunciation, is celebrated for its harmonious composition, the serene beauty of the figures, and the use of rich colors and gold, typical of the Russian icon painting tradition. Its devotional power and profound spirituality continue to inspire viewers centuries later.