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December 2018 News Perspective Online

‘Nativity’ Reflects Divergent Scripture Texts, Perspectives

“Nativity,” an 86 x 104-inch oil-on-canvas painting by Luke Allsbrook, is currently on display in the stairwell of Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Hall.  The artwork pictures the birth of Jesus in the midst of a great heavenly battle, with imagery and text from the Nativity story in the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Revelation.  

“As a New Testament professor, I am strongly drawn to this painting because it encourages me to consider together very divergent scriptural texts and perspectives,” said Dean Craig Hill. “Needless to say, ‘Nativity’ is inspiring and thought provoking in ways not achieved by the traditional Christmas-card image.” 

Text and images from traditional Christmas carols are also incorporated into the piece, which was previously displayed in 2017 at Duke Divinity School. To read more, visit the artist’s website.