Nativity of the Mother of God, 1314, Studenica, Serbia.

Icons do not depict events in chronological or in accurate historic sequence.  In this icon we see the various states/events surrounding the birth of the Theotokos all at the same time, rather than chronologically in order: St. Anna giving birth in the center; the infant Mary being bathed by attendants in the lower left and St. Joachim admiring the infant in her cradle in the lower right while the child’s nursemaid fans her.

In iconography, the size of the figure conveys importance, which is why St. Anna is centrally located and much larger than the other figures and the infant Mary looks like a child of possibly 2 or 3 years old in the cradle.

In analyzing the symbolism in the Nativity of the Theotokos, we can deduce that Joachim is a wealthy man based on the sumptuous interior, elaborate architecture and textiles, decorative garments the servants are wearing, the post birth celebratory feast served on platters, and the retinue of attendants waiting to serve St. Anna following the birth of Mary. Even the infant Mary has her own servant, fanning her in the crib.

The Nativity of the Virgin Mary presents a very sharp contrast to Mary’s experience in the Nativity of Christ. In iconography, both icons have a similar artistic and symbolic structure with the same central focal point: the Theotokos and Christ; for as lavish as the surroundings of the birth of the Virgin were depicted, Christ’s birth was equally humble, emphasizing His sacrifice for humanity.