An antique 19th-century Russian Orthodox icon representing the Birth of Jesus Christ full of beautiful symbolism. In the center is the Jesus Child lying in a manger with the Virgin Mary beside Him, and behind Him is an ox and a donkey. Saint Joseph is depicted at the bottom left, according to ancient tradition, the shepherd standing next to Joseph and talking to him is actually the devil in disguise. He tries to persuade Joseph to doubt the virgin birth. At the top left are three wise men with gifts for Jesus. At the top right, angels announce the good news to the shepherds. At the bottom right, Salome the midwife with a maid is depicted bathing the infant Jesus, which is a hint of the future Baptism of the Lord. Mixed media painting: egg tempera, gesso, and levkas on a wood board. Titled, The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in Church Slavonic on the top. Antique Russian Religious Items and Collectibles.