The Manger (La creche)

Alphonse Legros

National Gallery of Art

The image shows two figures in profile, possibly full-length but partially obscured, situated towards the left side of the scene. The first figure is an elderly person, bent over and reaching forward with clasped hands. This person has pronounced facial features with a prominent nose, and their hair is completely covered by a headscarf. Their clothing consists of a long, flowing robe or cloak with substantial folds. The second figure, standing slightly behind and to the left, also has their hair covered by a cloth, and wears a similar long robe. This person's facial features are less distinct due to the angle but appear younger than the first figure. A small child is on the right side of the image, reclining in a crib filled with hay. The child is positioned with legs bent, arms slightly raised, and has a small, circular halo above their head. In the lower right foreground, a basket and a simple shepherd's crook are visible. The background is composed of a textured, cross-hatched pattern, possibly indicating a stone wall, and in the upper right, a simple light source emits rays, illuminating the scene.