Richter's Werke (binder's title) 1879

Adrian Ludwig Richter created this binder illustration, now at the Metropolitan Museum, evoking the spirit of Christmas through layered symbolism. At the top, a banner proclaims, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace." This phrase itself carries centuries of tradition, echoing the songs of angels at Christ's birth. The star of Bethlehem shines brightly, not only as a celestial guide but also as a symbol that has been reimagined through many eras, originally signifying divine guidance, and later a more secular symbol of hope during the Enlightenment. The act of singing carols below, a more recent tradition, recalls ancient rituals of communal celebration, bonding people together through shared experience. These visual motifs have resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings throughout history, reminding us of the past and present intertwining.