The Nativity with Donors and Saints Jerome and Leonard  1515

David focuses attention on the mystery of the Incarnation—that is, Christ's birth and sacrifice for the redemption of mankind. Despite the joyful moment depicted, the figures all wear somber expressions, foreshadowing Christ’s eventual suffering and death. The sheaf of grain parallel to the manger refers to John 6:41: "I am the bread which came down from Heaven." The two d...