ADVENT CALENDAR 2024

December 4

ARMENIAN NATIVITY

Gohar Petrosyan
Gyumri, Armenia
Glazed ceramic
2024

This Nativity scene, created in 2024 by Armenian ceramicist Gohar Petrosyan, depicts the Adoration of the Shepherds. In keeping with medieval Armenian tradition, the scene takes place in a cave rather than a stable. The infant Jesus is at the center, surrounded by Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds.

Petrosyan’s Nativity was inspired by the 1262 Gospel illumination by renowned Armenian artist T’oros Roslin (Walters Ms. W.539, Walters Art Museum, Baltimore). It was commissioned by Anna Akhobadze, a member of the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania. The inscription on the manuscript page references Luke 2:16: “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”

Gohar Petrosyan’s interpretation of the 13th-century illumination shows the enduring connection between medieval Armenian religious art and contemporary artistic expressions.

On loan from the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America, Cheltenham, Pennsylvania

Glencairn Museum’s World Nativities exhibition runs from November 29, 2024, to January 26, 2025. Visit us at Follow the Star: A 2024 Advent Calendar.