Christmas has become a festival, which people celebrate in nearly every part of the world. You can say that it transcends all religious boundaries. Even the people who would not claim to be the most religious enjoy this event for the festivities it brings. There is, however, no doubt that Christmas is truly a magical time of the year for almost everyone.
This level of popularity of the festival has only raised the demands for Christmas decorations and Christmas presents to be distributed. When it comes to distributing some Christmas cheer, there are endless options. However, paintings stay at the top of the list of presents. Tree ornaments, lights, and chocolates are only second in popularity. There could be nothing more unique and meaningful and of course, cheerful than a beautifully presented Christmas painting.
Here are the top five paintings to present on Christmas:
Karl Rogers Christmas Father
No other symbol could express Christmas louder than the ever-popular and beloved image of Father Christmas or Santa Claus. He is well known for hauling sacks full present around the world, on every Christmas Eve, and secretly going up the chimneys of houses to leave gifts for well-behaved children.
Karl Roger’s ‘Father Christmas’ portrays the jolly old Santa, Saint Nick doing just what has been described. He stands in his iconic white and red garb in the painting with a sack filled with gifts of toys by his side. He is depicted decorating mantles with presents and stuffing up stockings as he goes about his annual routine.
Karl Rogers ties up the almost supernatural and surreal idea of Santa Claus into the painting. He reminds the audience that Father Christmas only has this one night while all the children are fast asleep in their beds. The image of the small child, snuggled tightly and sound asleep in the background, serves as the key reminder of what kids should do.
Eastman Johnson’s ‘The Blodgett Family at Christmas Time’
When it comes to the values and traditions associated with Christmas, spending time with family and loved ones remains at the top of the list. When we talk about Christmas, most people automatically envision a community of people distributing gifts to each other or family and friends huddled in together on a cold winter night. This painting captures just this image in stillness, for all art lovers or Christmas lovers to hang on their walls as they gear up for the lovely season.
Johnson portrays a family on Christmas morning by the fireplace and the Christmas tree. It’s a very familiar, relatable scene with parents gazing joyfully at the excitement and happiness of their three young kids.
This painting was set in the time of the civil war. As such, this painting highlights the haven that is home during such upheavals.
Arthur Rackham’s “Scroob and Bob Scarchit” from “A Christmas Carol” by Dickens
‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens is easily one of the most famous tales of all time associated with the season. The story was written in 1843 and focused on Ebenezer Scrooge. He is an old but wealthy man and has a penchant against the holiday seasons. He goes way beyond being simply grouchy and does his utmost to make Christmas as miserable as he possibly can for others. This includes Bob Scarchit, his employee, and his family.
When Scrooge lays down for sleep on Christmas Eve, three ghosts visit him in his sleep. These are the Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future ghosts. They show him several visions of the season throughout time and how his opinion changed about this time of the year, and the results were sour.
This nocturnal visit causes a radical change of heart in Scrooge. He wakes up feeling more excited and generous than he has been in years for the season. In essence, he goes to embody all the values of the season he had previously denied.
Henry Mosler’s Christmas Morning
Some things look their best through a child’s eyes, especially the gift-giving act, which takes on complete childlike excitement and wonderment. The painting attempts to capture the enthusiasm and excitement.
It shows a young pair of kids, a girl, and a boy peeping out of their bedroom. Beyond the room’s darkness, the viewer beholds a sparkling Christmas tree with gifts strewn underneath.
The contrast between the darkness and the brightness and twinkle of the tree shows the excitement and possibilities and renewed hope Christmas morning brings.
Robert Gemmell Hutchinson’s ‘Her First Christmas’
The life of a young child is full of milestones. Among the lengthy list is the first Christmas that a child experiences after their birth. This painting is an attempt by Robert Gemmell to capture into stillness a moment, just like the painting’s subject. The painting shows the image of a precious little baby girl sleeping in her bassinet at the foot of the tree. The painting conveys the serenity and peace and the strong familial bonds that are associated with Christmas.
These paintings will surely add more cheer and warmth to your homes in the season.