Breviarium Romanum

A highly detailed religious engraving depicts the Nativity of Jesus. In the upper portion, a choir of angels emerges from a celestial light. They hold a banner with Latin text. Below, under a stone archway, the Virgin Mary sits holding the infant Christ. Saint Joseph kneels before them. They are surrounded by numerous adoring angels. Some kneel in prayer and others prostrate themselves. In the background, a stable with an ox and donkey is visible on the left. A night sky with stars and a distant town is visible on the right. The entire scene is enclosed in a decorative border with small floral or star motifs.

Glory to God in the highest. And on earth peace to men... original: "Gloria in excelsis Deo. Et in terra pax hominibus..." This is the angelic hymn from the Gospel of Luke, traditionally sung at the birth of Christ.