Wieg van Christus in de Geboortekerk in Bethlehem 1867 - 1885

This photograph, taken by Félix Bonfils, captures the ‘Crib of the Nativity’ in Bethlehem. It is a fascinating tableau where the sacred narrative unfolds amidst symbolic echoes. Above the manger, we see a painting of winged putti, which, like the ancient Greek Eros, represent divine love and serve as intermediaries between the earthly and celestial realms. These figures are not merely decorative but carry the weight of centuries, harking back to pagan antiquity yet reborn within a Christian context. Consider how these winged figures appear on Roman sarcophagi, guiding souls to the afterlife. This motif resurfaces, transformed yet familiar, in Renaissance art and beyond, signifying spiritual ascent. Such imagery engages our collective memory, stirring subconscious associations with innocence, purity, and transcendent hope. The image’s emotional power lies in its ability to connect the specific event of Christ’s birth with a broader, timeless yearning for salvation. Thus, this symbol’s cyclical journey continues, evolving yet eternally resonant, inviting viewers to contemplate the profound mysteries of faith and the enduring power of visual motifs across time.