December 17th century

This woodcut print of the Nativity scene presents us with a set of symbols deeply embedded in Western consciousness. The infant Christ, surrounded by Mary, Joseph, and animals in a humble manger, speaks to themes of humility and divine grace. Note the shepherds arriving from the left. Shepherds, often seen as simple, uneducated folk, were the first to witness Christ's birth, signifying the universal reach of the Christian message. This motif of the shepherd appears through ancient cultures, symbolizing care, guidance, and the connection between humanity and the divine. Even the staff the shepherd is carrying finds echoes in the scepters of rulers or the wands of magicians, tools of power and authority. The emotional power of this image lies in its depiction of vulnerability and hope, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The Nativity scene continues to resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, demonstrating the cyclical nature of symbols throughout history.