Nativity c. 19th century

Curator: This artwork in front of us, housed at the Harvard Art Museums, is entitled "Nativity" by Vincent Brooks. Editor: It strikes me as a charmingly naive rendition—almost a stage set with its vibrant colors. Curator: Consider the composition; the clear separation of realms, the earthly and the divine, visually reinforced by the arch framing the scene. Editor: The architectural structure looks like a stage set! It reminds me of childhood Christmases when we'd create elaborate scenes. But there's a deep contrast here—a humble stable becomes the stage for an epiphany. Curator: Quite right. The symbolism is overt, the narrative accessible. One could argue its formal simplicity belies a sophisticated understanding of visual storytelling. Editor: Perhaps. For me, it evokes a profound sense of comfort, that childlike wonder returning.