The last picture is the Nativity of the Manger. In the center sits Mary
bending over the Christ Child. Behind her stands Joseph. Kneeling in
front of her and a little to her left are the Three Wise Men, to her
right the same shepherds to whom the angel appeared. The Wise Man at
the extreme right of the picture stands with bowed head; the other two,
at his left, kneel, one with outstretched hands, the other with head
and shoulders bent low. At the extreme left of the picture a stalwart
shepherd leans upon his staff, his gaze fixed in wonder upon the Child.
At his right, one companion kneels; the others are prostrated on the
ground. All the light in the picture seems to radiate from the Child,
casting a beautiful radiance on the face of the Virgin. The figures
stand immovable, wrapped in worshipful awe, as the choir sings “Sleep,
Holy Child.”