The Christmas Story: Told Through Paintings

The events surrounding the birth of Christ are depicted through masterworks--shown both in their entirety and in detail--from New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Accompanying the illustrations are excerpts from the King James Version of the Bible, along with interpretations of the works and discussion of technique and historical context. Many of the paintings are by lesser-known artists, among them the richly detailed Annunciation by Robert Campin, who pioneered in portraying biblical events in contemporary settings, and the Nativity with the Annunciation to the Shepherds by a follower of Jan Joest, remarkable for its innovative play of light and shadow. This beautiful volume would make a splendid gift, particularly for older readers and students of art. All ages. (Oct.)