Nativity with St. Francis and St. Laurence

(click to enlarge)

Caravaggio

(Italian, 1571-1610)

Nativity with St. Francis and St. Laurence, 1609

Oil on canvas

Caravaggio, of course, is always original. His Mary is in disarray, and slumps back in exhaustion - in fact, like any woman who has just given birth. Joseph gazes unblinkingly at the little form on the floor -  new life, so full of promise. The shepherds crowd around, talking among themselves. An angel hovers overhead, holding the banner that proclaims 'Gloria in Excelsis Deo'.

from a website of biblical art