Bronze Age Gold from Wales

A waning lantern illuminates the newborn Christ. His mother Mary remains asleep while Joseph is roused by the shepherds, who have come by night to pay homage to the Holy Child. They are traditionally depicted in the act of adoration, but here the moment of their unexpected arrival at the stable has been captured. Van den Eeckhout's dramatic sense of timing and use of theatrical lighting shows the influence of his master and friend, Rembrandt.