In the given work the artist used the known iconographical plot reflecting events, described by evangelist Lukoj. In actually iconography it, however, is defined differently – "Christmas" or «Worship of shepherds» - it is necessary to distinguish from other initial episode of Christmas – «Worship of magicians». That it is the given plot well read, though also quite conditional, an image of an ox – on the right allows to judge. As it is known, in the Bethlehem cave there were ox and a donkey that warmed the Divine Baby lying in a day nursery by the breath. Other characters are so abstract that it is impossible to identify them, except unless, Divine Baby. Though, it is logical to assume that in the bottom part silhouettes represent shepherds whom Archangel Gabriel has directed to bow to the newborn Messiah.
It is necessary to notice that the plot «Worship of shepherds», since 15th century, was often enough used in secular painting. To it such grandees, as El Greco, Murilo, Caravaggio, Rubens addressed. In modernist currents, it also meets, for example, at Gauguin. However picturesque decisions of the given theme with such high degree of stylization and abstractiveness - is rarity. The present work, in particular, is curious because of it. In spite of the fact that represented events occur at night, domination red, giving to work special power, is quite pertinently. In Russian iconographical tradition in Christmas images bright paints also prevailed. It underlined pleasure concerning a birth of the Savior. On use of a transsurrealistic method in Christmas image – a question disputable how many is justified. It is hardly probable possible to assume something farther from initial requirements. But it is necessary to notice that, as well as in other works to a Christian theme, sensation of sacrament of an event to the artist to transfer, nevertheless, it is possible. 
canvas/oil 80cm x 95cm 1993 The artwork is framed Price 5691 USD
 e-mail to the artist2007.03.31
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