Manger Scene Historical Context

Manger Scene

There has never been a night so wondrous, so pure, or so quintessentially holy as the night of the Savior’s birth. The artist Carl Bloch so perfectly captured this scene in his painting, Manger Scene.

This painting was completed in the 1800s, a time when art was changing from the Neoclassic to the Romantic era. Neoclassic works focused on the ideals of life. Much of the art was of the heroes, kings, and warriors spoken of in ancient Greek and Roman literature. After a time, the people began to crave something more-- something that would stir inner feelings and help them cope with real life. As a result, Romanticism was born. This era was one where emotion ruled the canvas. Terror, awe, love, and fear were all expressed, perhaps as a way to distract the people of the world from the treacherous times they were experiencing. The Industrial Revolution was flourishing at this time and while it was ecstasy for few, it was hell for most. Through history, the pattern always goes that Heavenly Father’s children are most likely to reach out to Him in times of trial and tribulation. Perhaps this is why artist Carl Bloch was so inspired when he painted the night of Jesus Christ’s birth. The peace and tranquility that this painting gives was surely a source of hope and comfort for those who felt there was no light left in life.