The Birth of Christ

In the years 1502/03 Dürer designed the woodcut 'The Birth of Christ', also called 'Adoration of the Shepherds', as part of his 'Life of the Virgin' cycle, which was completed in 1511 and published with latin texts by Benedictus Chelidonius.
With a missing sidewall, the artist grants an insight into the sacred events that take place in a dilapidated building with a perforated roof. While Mary, accompanied by angels, bends reverently over the Christ Child, who is bedded on straw, and Joseph hurries over with a jug, shepherds step onto the scenery and kneel down. Four angels rejoice in heaven, the pioneering star shines brightly and through the round arch the viewer catches a glimpse of the Archangel Gabriel, who heralds the birth of the Saviour.
The Latin letter text of the book edition can be found on the back of the sheet.