In the Christian world the images of the Virgin and Saints as well as the scenes of the Annunciation and the Adoration have been the source of artists' inspiration throughout many centuries. Evangelic themes are represented in the Hermitage collection by the canvases of such men of genius as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, Brueghel, Rubens, Van Dyke, Rembrandt and many others. A wide variety of masterpieces allows us to illustrate the scene of Nativity not only with magnificent paintings but also with drawings, engravings, reliefs and elegant objects of applied arts. Arca and Reader's Digest jointly present this full- colour book, with a fascinating text and elegant design which will make this edition a perfect gift and a treasured adornment to any home library.