Standard Nativity by Jilli

This is Jilli’s interpretation of the Nativity. When ordering, you can specify “bright” or “rustic” colouring.

Byzantine Nativity by Jilli

The Byzantine Empire spanned much of the Middle Ages, from the 7th to the early 15th centuries. This period produced sumptuous religious paintings and mosaics, reflecting the richness of the imperial courts. Our Nativity captures the rich reds and golds, blues and greens of this artwork, with costumes dripping in precious stones and gold embroideries. The Byzantine Nativity includes Mary and Child with Joseph, Three Kings, two little Cherubs and three Shepherds looking rather grand in outfits originally designed for imperial knights.

Pioneer Nativity by Jilli

Jilli Roberts has cast the traditional story of the nativity with people from the pioneer era of Australia. Mary and Joseph are the pioneer family, with the baby Jesus. Mary wears a simple dress of rough blue linen. Joseph has his axe, with which he will clear land for a smallholding, and build a dwelling. He holds a sulphur crested cockatoo, evoking the wildness and beauty of the bush. In this special edition, ‘shepherds’ are depicted as shearers which can be holding Australian animals. Their shears are tucked into their belts. The ‘three wise men’ bringing gifts to the baby are also bush characters: the trooper as the symbol of law and order brings myrrh. He wears his sword, and has an early form of handcuffs hanging from his belt. Next comes the stockman as owner of land, cattle and horses. He brings frankincense and has an Australian kelpie at heel. The third ‘wise man’ is the gold prospector, founder of the mining industry, bringing a gold nugget to the crib. A small wallaby sits by his feet and his gold pan is tied behind. The cherubs hold bunches of Australian wild flowers such as eucalypt, wattle and waratah. The Australian Pioneer Nativity set was inspired by the triptych “The Pioneer” by Australian artist, Frederick McCubbin (1855-1917).