Christi Geburt

'Mystic Nativity'

The Virgin kneels to adore the Christ. Child, sheltering in a cave. Shepherds (on the right) and kings (on the left) have come to pay homage. Angels in the heavens dance. Their scrolls praise the Virgin as 'Queen of the World'. On earth, they joyfully embrace virtuous citizens. Seven devils flee defeated to the underworld. Olive, the emblem of peace, is everywhere: mortals are crowned with it; angels carry branches of it and pass them on to men.

Botticelli's picture is traditionally known as the 'Mystic Nativity' because of its mystical symbolism. According to the Greek inscription at the top of the painting, 'Alessandro made this picture at the end of the year 1500'.