Nativity Triptych

“Christina Orthwein lives with her family in Bryn Athyn, where she works in her home studio and teaches ceramics and photography at Bryn Athyn College (see www.ChristinaOrthwein.com). Visual inspirations for this Nativity triptych include the Gothic architecture of Glencairn, the Celtic lettering style found throughout the building, and the General Church Seal, a circular bronze plaque designed in the 1930s by Raymond Pitcairn and metalworker Parke E. Edwards. (The General Church Seal may be seen above the fireplace in Glencairn’s Great Hall.) The quotation (Luke 2:14), a universal Christmas favorite, was used in several Christmas cards sent by Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn when Glencairn was a home. The frame was crafted from poplar by Bryn Athyn woodworker Charles Grubb.

According to Orthwein,

‘The inspiration for this piece comes from the sacred, cozy feeling of a family circled around the Bible for a Christmas morning worship service. That precious space is echoed in the curve of the tiles around the Bible and by the shepherds, wise men, and Mary and Joseph, all gathered around and bending toward the newborn baby Jesus.

Mary is the closest to Jesus, touching Him directly, which represents her direct connection as the one who gave Him human form. Joseph is touching Mary’s hand to depict his absolute support of her and his commitment to their journey ahead. The wise men and shepherds represent a variety of ages and ethnicities to show that the Lord’s birth brings love to the entire human race.’” (Ed and Kirsten Gyllenhaal, label text, “World Nativities 2020”)