 The Adoration of the Shepherds, by Georges Latour (France). 1645. Another surprise ekphrastic challenge! The Christmas story has been told so many times over the past 2000 years. We are so bombarded with carols, cards, and verses, year after year, that even the idea of looking for "the real meaning of Christmas" has itself become a cliche. If we slow down and contemplate the various facets of the nativity story through visual art, could we find in that silence something that has been lost? What is the truth under our over-saturated sea of festive narrative? Are there new discoveries to be made in old stories? Do we know the story by heart, or only think we do? Consider each of these paintings and see what kind of poetry or prose you are inspired to write. Send your best efforts to The Ekphrastic Review with "Christmas challenge" in the subject line, as soon as you can, and anytime before December 24. Please share this with any writers, readers, or art lovers you know so they can participate too. Many thanks. Lorette [email protected]  Madonna and Child, by Ambrogio Lorenzetti (Italy), 1319.  Annunciation to the Shepherds, by Taddeo Gaddi (Italy), fresco, church of Santa Croce, Florence. circa 1330.  Nativity at Night, by Geertgen tot Sint Jans (Netherlands). c. 1490.  Our Lady of Cocharcas Under the Baldachin, Cuzco School (Peru). 1765.  The Annunciation to the Shepherds, by Nicolaes Berchem (Netherlands). 1649.  The Annunciation, by James Jacques Tissot (France). 1886-1896.  Rest on the Flight Into Egypt, by Luc Olivier Merson (France). 1879.  Adoration of the Magi, by Antonio Vivarini (Italy). 1445-1447.  Nativity pendant, Ethiopia, c. 1800s.
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