Mid-Morning Art Thread

The Adoration of the Shepherds
Domenikos Theotokopoulos

Posted by: CBD at 09:30 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 1st

Posted by: Skip at December 25, 2025 09:30 AM (Ia/+0)

2 Fist

Posted by: Otto Pen at December 25, 2025 09:30 AM (sJHOI)

3 Very nicely done

Posted by: Skip at December 25, 2025 09:31 AM (Ia/+0)

4 not a big fan of this, too dark and sinewy

Posted by: Otto Pen at December 25, 2025 09:31 AM (sJHOI)

5 Busy stable.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at December 25, 2025 09:32 AM (qbLEp)

6 4 not a big fan of this, too dark and sinewy
Posted by: Otto Pen

I don't know at least the artist drew a baby, not a toddler like most renderings.

Posted by: Art Maven at December 25, 2025 09:33 AM (oftw2)

7 With an adowable widdle bwanket!!

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at December 25, 2025 09:33 AM (Kt19C)

8 El Greco, the world's first theme park caricaturist,

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at December 25, 2025 09:33 AM (xMGre)

9 Waitaminnit - it's changed.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at December 25, 2025 09:34 AM (qbLEp)

10 Oops! I posted the wrong graphic! El Greco did at least two Adorations...the one I want is darker and more impressionistic.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at December 25, 2025 09:35 AM (n9ltV)

11 A little acetone wash would brighten this immensely.

Posted by: Make Colors POP! at December 25, 2025 09:35 AM (oftw2)

12 Domenikos Theotokopoulos -- best painter ever!

Posted by: George Slopadopoulos, ABC "News" at December 25, 2025 09:36 AM (Y1sOo)

13 He may have done the Magi first, not shepherds.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at December 25, 2025 09:36 AM (xMGre)

14 The MET

Title:
The Adoration of the Shepherds
Artist:
El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos) (Greek, Iráklion (Candia) 1541–1614 Toledo)
Date:
ca. 1605–10
Medium:
Oil on canvas
Dimensions:
56 7/8 x 39 7/8 in. (144.5 x 101.3 cm); with added strips 64 1/2 x 42 in. (163.8 x 106.7 cm)

Posted by: r hennigantx at December 25, 2025 09:36 AM (gbOdA)

15 If you click on the art, it goes to different art.

Same theme, but different painting.

Posted by: gaf gaf at December 25, 2025 09:36 AM (/w3j2)

16 Changing art in mid-stream just short-circuited my remaining synapses. Thanks a lot, Fat!

Posted by: President Emeritus at December 25, 2025 09:37 AM (oftw2)

17 Waitaminnit - it's changed.

I noticed that too. Thought for a moment "What the heck?".

Posted by: Tuna at December 25, 2025 09:37 AM (lJ0H4)

18 Has a black Velvet Elvis feel. Did someone win this at the state fair?

Posted by: Otto Pen at December 25, 2025 09:37 AM (sJHOI)

19 Same theme, but different painting.

Posted by: gaf gaf at December 25, 2025 09:36 AM (/w3j2)

Yup. I'm fixing it...

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at December 25, 2025 09:37 AM (n9ltV)

20 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Posted by: r hennigantx at December 25, 2025 09:38 AM (gbOdA)

21 Who did the Manager of the stable write in as Jesus' father on the Birth Certificate?

Hmmmmmm. .. Or what date did he use - 12/25/0000?

Posted by: Tonypete at December 25, 2025 09:38 AM (cYBz/)

22 Merry Christmas

Hans Gruber just fell!

Posted by: r hennigantx at December 25, 2025 09:38 AM (gbOdA)

23 Three shepherds, Mary, Joseph, the Child, and a heavenly host (albeit a small portion of one) overhead. Check.

Plus a lamb and a donkey (?). Good work getting all that in. I do agree it could be brighter.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 25, 2025 09:38 AM (wzUl9)

24 I love me some El Greco. Thanks, CBD!

Posted by: Bulg at December 25, 2025 09:38 AM (77rzZ)

25 Upon further review, how does one designate a zero in Roman numerals?

Posted by: Tonypete at December 25, 2025 09:39 AM (cYBz/)

26 El Greco has been a favorite of mine for a few (oh, wait, we're only 29) a couple of decades now.

Posted by: tankdemon at December 25, 2025 09:40 AM (sjyPY)

27 May I say Merry Christmas to CBD and thank you for letting me post art info.
It is my little way of trying to learn something new.

Posted by: r hennigantx at December 25, 2025 09:40 AM (gbOdA)

28 Okay, second painting: It's more about the shepherds and the Holy Family, not so much about angels flitting above. No donkey that I can see, but there is a lamb (or is it a white cat?).

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 25, 2025 09:41 AM (wzUl9)

29 I read that, as El Greco tended to paint people with elongated bodies, he may have had some form of astigmatism.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at December 25, 2025 09:41 AM (qbLEp)

30 I think I need more coffee because there are two paintings which are confusing me.

Posted by: dantesed at December 25, 2025 09:41 AM (Oy/m2)

31 El Greco was a calf man

Posted by: Otto Pen at December 25, 2025 09:42 AM (sJHOI)

32 LED lighting has been a revolution in stable lighting. Would have helped here.

Posted by: GE-We Bring Good Things To Life at December 25, 2025 09:42 AM (oftw2)

33 Merry Christmas to The Horde! Thanks for all the fun and friendship, morons!

Posted by: gp at December 25, 2025 09:42 AM (GHIyr)

34 In the other painting, the figures were so sinewy they looked like they'd spent some time on the rack. Except Mary, who's really well done in that one.

Posted by: gaf gaf at December 25, 2025 09:42 AM (/w3j2)

35 Upon further review, how does one designate a zero in Roman numerals?
Posted by: Tonypete at December 25, 2025

***
The zero was supposed to have been contributed by the Arab world, later on.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 25, 2025 09:42 AM (wzUl9)

36 No donkey that I can see, but there is a lamb (or is it a white cat?).
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 25, 2025 09:41 AM (wzUl9)
---------
Lamb. Symbolism.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at December 25, 2025 09:42 AM (qbLEp)

37 zero

nulla

Posted by: r hennigantx at December 25, 2025 09:43 AM (gbOdA)

38 What is wrong with that lamb?

Posted by: Anna Puma at December 25, 2025 09:43 AM (2GVsD)

39 What is wrong with that lamb?
Posted by: Anna Puma at December 25, 2025

***
He knows the shepherds are going to sacrifice him!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 25, 2025 09:44 AM (wzUl9)

40 I, too, see a white cat.

Posted by: Mr. Pitt at December 25, 2025 09:44 AM (oftw2)

41 What is wrong with that lamb?
Posted by: Anna Puma at December 25, 2025 09:43 AM (2GVsD)
---------
Perhaps it is also new born. Symbolism.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at December 25, 2025 09:44 AM (qbLEp)

42 Somalians came up with zero.

Posted by: dantesed at December 25, 2025 09:44 AM (Oy/m2)

43 Most of El Greco's humans look like when a person is filmed for a full sized movie screen is compressed to be shown on a TV screen, they seem unusually thin, and mich too tall for their girth., but I enjoy them.

Yes, this one is very dark, but keep in mind that the setting is inside a barn at midnight.

Posted by: tankdemon at December 25, 2025 09:44 AM (sjyPY)

44 I liked the article JJS posted which set the Christmas story in historical and social context -- without changing anything about the story.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 25, 2025 09:46 AM (wzUl9)

45 Posted by: r hennigantx at December 25, 2025 09:40 AM (gbOdA)
====

I appreciate those details they always add context and meaning to the piece.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 25, 2025 09:46 AM (BW4I7)

46 Somalians came up with zero.
Posted by: dantesed at December 25, 2025

***
Unfortunately they forgot to devise the numbers 1 through 9.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 25, 2025 09:46 AM (wzUl9)

47 More of a Halloween feel than Christmas.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at December 25, 2025 09:47 AM (XvL8K)

48 Also recall Christ is referred to as the lamb of God.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at December 25, 2025 09:47 AM (xMGre)

49 31 El Greco was a calf man
Posted by: Otto Pen at December 25, 2025 09:42 AM (sJHOI)

Would that make him a mini Minotaur?

Posted by: tankdemon at December 25, 2025 09:48 AM (sjyPY)

50 El Greco is a favorite. Love his color palette.

Posted by: Opinion fact at December 25, 2025 09:49 AM (KDPiq)

51 Merry Christmas, Horde from me and the RMBS Mom!

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at December 25, 2025 09:49 AM (9iRTe)

52 Ah, always fun: Happy Winter of Death, guys.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at December 25, 2025 09:49 AM (xMGre)

53 Minitaurd

Thousand Millimeter Reich on Crete.

Posted by: Anna Puma at December 25, 2025 09:49 AM (2GVsD)

54 “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” – Micah 5:2

Posted by: r hennigantx at December 25, 2025 09:51 AM (gbOdA)

55 this reminds me of being in the choir loft at church for midnight mass, and seeing everything from far-off through candle light.
Dark, yes, but I like it

Posted by: barbarausa at December 25, 2025 09:51 AM (enw9G)

56 read that, as El Greco tended to paint people with elongated bodies, he may have had some form of astigmatism.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at December 25, 2025 09:41 AM (qbLEp)

Norman Rockwell had an affliction that also contributed to his renditions.

Posted by: Opinion fact at December 25, 2025 09:51 AM (KDPiq)

57 I like this painting more than the first one. Thanks. The earlier one was too chaotic., I think .

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 25, 2025 09:52 AM (lQ+/f)

58 39 What is wrong with that lamb?
Posted by: Anna Puma at December 25, 2025

***
He knows the shepherds are going to sacrifice him!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 25, 2025 09:44 AM (wzUl9)

he vegetarian
alright I make you lamb

Posted by: r hennigantx at December 25, 2025 09:53 AM (gbOdA)

59 When it comes to "religious" art, I can't tell the players without a halo.

Posted by: Or a Scorecard at December 25, 2025 09:55 AM (oftw2)

60 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

Posted by: r hennigantx at December 25, 2025 09:55 AM (gbOdA)

61 This looks like a somewhat less Satanic alternate version of the “Reign In Blood” album cover.

Posted by: Cow Demon at December 25, 2025 09:55 AM (Wv0GD)

62 Looked up Rockwell . Google AI is a liberal programmed piece of crap.

Posted by: Opinion fact at December 25, 2025 09:57 AM (KDPiq)

63 Looks like Don Quixote sitting next to Mary.

And every time I see this artists name, I understand why the Spanish just called him El Greco.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 25, 2025 09:57 AM (7JH4o)

64 For those who would like tonsee a brighter version of this picture:
http://tiny.cc/57vw001

Tap between the two miniaturized versions of painting above the article.

Posted by: tankdemon at December 25, 2025 09:57 AM (sjyPY)

65 Oh look, the putti showed up.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 25, 2025 09:58 AM (+HNx/)

66 And every time I see this artists name, I understand why the Spanish just called him El Greco.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 25, 2025 09:57 AM (7JH4o)

He signed his paintings with his Greek name which must have been a chore in itself.

Posted by: Opinion fact at December 25, 2025 09:59 AM (KDPiq)

67 Soon, the Magi will appear with their gifts of gold, frankincense and a case of diapers.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 25, 2025 09:59 AM (+HNx/)

68 63 Looks like Don Quixote sitting next to Mary.

And every time I see this artists name, I understand why the Spanish just called him El Greco.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 25, 2025 09:57 AM (7JH4o)

True. It should not take fifteen minutes and a tongue as agile as a sugar glider just to say your name.

Posted by: tankdemon at December 25, 2025 10:00 AM (sjyPY)

69 Mary is about to swaddle baby Jesus.

Posted by: Opinion fact at December 25, 2025 10:01 AM (KDPiq)

70 It is my little way of trying to learn something new.

Posted by: r hennigantx at December 25, 2025 09:40 AM (gbOdA)

And it is much appreciated.

Merry Christmas!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at December 25, 2025 10:01 AM (n9ltV)

71 Well, dang it. Two of the grands are sick, so they and their 'rents won't be coming over. Nonetheless, the other two are so I'm still going to be happy.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 25, 2025 10:02 AM (Riz8t)

72 Soon, the Magi will appear with their gifts of gold, frankincense and a case of diapers.

Did the other Magus demyrrh?

Posted by: Archimedes at December 25, 2025 10:03 AM (Riz8t)

73 “Happy Holidays” to the Horde.
Wait . . .
Merry Christmas to you all.
Except that one guy. You know who you are.

Posted by: RI Red at December 25, 2025 10:03 AM (UDARB)

74 69 Mary is about to swaddle baby Jesus.
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 25, 2025 10:01 AM (KDPiq)

Giddy up!

Oh, wait, I didn't see the "w." My bad.

Posted by: tankdemon at December 25, 2025 10:03 AM (sjyPY)

75 “Happy Holidays” to the Horde.
Wait . . .
Merry Christmas to you all.
Except that one guy. You know who you are.

*universal shifty eyes*

Posted by: The Horde at December 25, 2025 10:03 AM (Riz8t)

76 so, on the lamb--the shepherds are giving what they have, and it foreshadows the sacrifice of the Lamb of God.

Posted by: barbarausa at December 25, 2025 10:04 AM (enw9G)

77 60 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6
Posted by: r hennigantx at December 25, 2025 09:55 AM (gbOdA)

Every time I see this verse, the music starts to play in my head! For me, tied with the Hallelujah Chorus as the best piece Handel wrote.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 25, 2025 10:05 AM (7JH4o)

78 Guys, your lamb is sick.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 25, 2025 10:05 AM (+HNx/)

79 Wakes up
Scratches
Looks around
Dang. It's Christmas!!! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Boxing Day to all the Horde. Thanks for being such a great group.
Goes looking for coffee.

Posted by: Diogenes at December 25, 2025 10:05 AM (2WIwB)

80 When it comes to "religious" art, I can't tell the players without a halo.

Posted by: Or a Scorecard at December 25, 2025 09:55 AM (oftw2)

One of the fun things about Art History classes...you learn who the various characters are in classical art by the symbols on them or around them.

For instance, St. Peter wears a key, James has a saw, etc.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at December 25, 2025 10:05 AM (n9ltV)

81 For instance, St. Peter wears a key, James has a saw, etc.

----------

Then there's Saint Andrew.

Poor Saint Andrew.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 25, 2025 10:06 AM (+HNx/)

82 And every time I see this artists name, I understand why the Spanish just called him El Greco.

That name has so much more flair than just calling him "Greg", which would be closer to the Spanish for 'Greek'.

Posted by: t-bird at December 25, 2025 10:07 AM (OjdEO)

83 Did the other Magus demyrrh?
Posted by: Archimedes

**********

Nicely played!!

Posted by: muldoon at December 25, 2025 10:08 AM (/iMjX)

84 Nicely played!!

Thanks. I thought you'd appreciate that one.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 25, 2025 10:09 AM (Riz8t)

85 Have you ever tried to find myrrh at the Dollar Store or the Toot-n-Moo at 10:30 on Christmas
Eve?

/The other Magus

Posted by: muldoon at December 25, 2025 10:09 AM (/iMjX)

86 Lots of moving parts this year, so we celebrated Christmas last week.
It’s a delight to do Christmas 2.0 with you all!

The Horde - the gift that keeps on giving.

Posted by: RI Red at December 25, 2025 10:10 AM (fJiXH)

87 symbolism and saints, the is a picture at the National Gallery that gave me the creeps when I was little--Saint Lucy.
The eyes followed you around the room.
(the ones on the plate)

https://tinyurl.com/bcy4f4mr

Posted by: barbarausa at December 25, 2025 10:12 AM (enw9G)

88 His younger brother Gaico Greco became an insurance ad spokesman.

Posted by: Bulg at December 25, 2025 10:12 AM (77rzZ)

89 King size bed.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at December 25, 2025 10:12 AM (2Ez/1)

90 Shepherd on the left: Holy ---!! The kid's glowin'!!

Posted by: That guy who always thinks it's beginning at December 25, 2025 10:14 AM (qbLEp)

91 El Gecko's paintings always seem weirdly modern to me. I dig it though.

Saw his works in the Prado and they are yuge.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 25, 2025 10:14 AM (kpS4V)

92 81 For instance, St. Peter wears a key, James has a saw, etc.

----------

Then there's Saint Andrew.

Poor Saint Andrew.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 25, 2025 10:06 AM (+HNx
The months running up to the mid-term elections might be a good time to reread Fox’s Book Of Martyrs.

Posted by: Eromero at December 25, 2025 10:15 AM (Slgjz)

93 Mary knows to keep the corner of the diaper by the business end propped up when changing. You become a quick learner.

Posted by: banana Dream at December 25, 2025 10:15 AM (fIo92)

94 There's supposed to be an annoying kid with a drum...

Posted by: It's in the song at December 25, 2025 10:15 AM (2Ez/1)

95 Then there's Saint Andrew.

Poor Saint Andrew.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at December 25, 2025 10:06 AM (+HNx/)

Better than St Bartholomew. He's either carrying a flensing knife or his skin. Or both.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at December 25, 2025 10:16 AM (xMGre)

96 The eyes followed you around the room.
----------
That's nuffink. Ever seen the Mona Ogg? The teeth follow you around the room.

Posted by: Constable "Nobby" Nobbs at December 25, 2025 10:16 AM (qbLEp)

97 El Gecko's paintings always seem weirdly modern to me. I dig it though.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 25, 2025 10:14 AM (kpS4V)

He has been described as the first impressionist.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at December 25, 2025 10:16 AM (n9ltV)

98 Jeanette Isabella with her torch just out of frame.

Posted by: From that other song at December 25, 2025 10:17 AM (2Ez/1)

99 Merry Christmas, morons!

Joy to the world!
The Lord has come!

Posted by: nurse ratched at December 25, 2025 10:17 AM (Xu8xw)

100 He has been described as the first impressionist.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at December 25, 2025 10:16 AM (n9ltV)

How to win friends and influence others is best in the original Greek.

Posted by: r hennigantx at December 25, 2025 10:17 AM (gbOdA)

101 not the Mona Ogg, but I remember standing in line forever when the Mona Lisa went on tour

Posted by: barbarausa at December 25, 2025 10:18 AM (enw9G)

102 Mary knows to keep the corner of the diaper by the business end propped up when changing. You become a quick learner.
Posted by: banana Dream at December 25, 2025 10:15 AM (fIo92)

Looks like Joseph is in the danger zone.

Posted by: Count de Monet at December 25, 2025 10:19 AM (wVcYX)

103 I'm listening to classical music and about to crack open Tolkien's* "Father Christmas Letters". Very nice way to spend the morning.

*obligatory Tolkien ref.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 25, 2025 10:19 AM (kpS4V)

104 Hello Eris.

Big hugs to you.

Posted by: nurse ratched at December 25, 2025 10:20 AM (Xu8xw)

105 I always felt sorry for St. Sebastian, having to walk around looking like a pincushion.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 25, 2025 10:20 AM (7JH4o)

106 *obligatory Tolkien ref.
Posted by: All Hail Eris,

*********

For once I should have bet the 'over'.

Posted by: muldoon at December 25, 2025 10:20 AM (/iMjX)

107 And thank you, CBD. Your respect for the Christian holidays is much appreciated.

Merry Christmas!

Posted by: nurse ratched at December 25, 2025 10:21 AM (Xu8xw)

108 I always felt sorry for St. Sebastian, having to walk around looking like a pincushion.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 25, 2025 10:20 AM (7JH4o)
----------
Fun fact: he survived being shot full of arrows. Later assassins chose the simpler method of clubbing him to death.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at December 25, 2025 10:21 AM (qbLEp)

109 I was going to say Arkansas just doubled their personal wealth but I forgot about the Waltons.

Posted by: Opinion fact at December 25, 2025 10:22 AM (KDPiq)

110 Good chance the darkness is age, not as done originally.

Posted by: Skip at December 25, 2025 10:22 AM (Ia/+0)

111 Hey, this gold, frankincense and myrrh could finance a nice getaway trip to Egypt...

Posted by: Joseph the accountant at December 25, 2025 10:22 AM (2Ez/1)

112 not the Mona Ogg, but I remember standing in line forever when the Mona Lisa went on tour
Posted by: barbarausa at December 25, 2025 10:18 AM (enw9G)
---

It's tiny and behind bulletproof glass. The crowd is five people deep. What a weird experience.

Usually seeing paintings "in the flesh" is a mind-blowing experience. The colors, man! But the Mona Lisa is the one exception where you can get more from a good reproduction in a book.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 25, 2025 10:22 AM (kpS4V)

113 Eris, I saw your comment yesterday that cookies worked, before I took off for daughter's house.

I am so glad they did! Merry Christmas!

Posted by: barbarausa at December 25, 2025 10:22 AM (enw9G)

114 In tune with Christmas, an essay at American Thinker titled "In Parts Of Europe Many Still Remember America's Greatness Especially At Christmas". Nice story.

https://tinyurl.com/3x2pfd8z

Posted by: thatcrazyjerseyguy at December 25, 2025 10:22 AM (5xuJ/)

115 Smooches, Nurse! Give the Fink a scritch from me.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 25, 2025 10:23 AM (kpS4V)

116 Mary knows to keep the corner of the diaper by the business end propped up when changing. You become a quick learner.

I am expert at changing a diaper.

Posted by: Dr. Jill, Whore and Homewrecker at December 25, 2025 10:23 AM (R/m4+)

117 Good chance the darkness is age, not as done originally.
Posted by: Skip at December 25, 2025 10:22 AM (Ia/+0)
-----------
Dunno. I'd wager it's already undergone restoration. Incidentally, there are an excellent series of videos on art restoration by Julian Baumgartner, on YouTube

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at December 25, 2025 10:24 AM (qbLEp)

118 and re Mona Lisa, I remember shuffling like cattle, because just in case we never got to France (turned out to be good thinking, lol), and how we had to keep shuffling as we passed it, because so many were in line to see.
I was shocked it was so small!

Posted by: barbarausa at December 25, 2025 10:24 AM (enw9G)

119 Thanks again, Barbara. Let's see if I can foist my Christmas Yeti cookies on unsuspecting friends. Hey, I've had to choke down other people's lousy cookies and smile.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 25, 2025 10:25 AM (kpS4V)

120 I had not known that they changed the name of the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center.

I count this as Trump’s biggest troll of the Left.

Have to admit though I don’t think he should have done it.

Posted by: Opinion fact at December 25, 2025 10:25 AM (KDPiq)

121 >>> It's tiny and behind bulletproof glass. The crowd is five people deep. What a weird experience.

Usually seeing paintings "in the flesh" is a mind-blowing experience. The colors, man! But the Mona Lisa is the one exception where you can get more from a good reproduction in a book.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 25, 2025 10:22 AM (kpS4V)

I wonder why there’s so much security?

Posted by: Trust Fund Nepo Babies armed with red paint at December 25, 2025 10:26 AM (fIo92)

122 Am I alone in thinking that the Mona Lisa is the most overrated painting in history?

Posted by: Bulg at December 25, 2025 10:26 AM (77rzZ)

123 Am I alone in thinking that the Mona Lisa is the most overrated painting in history?
Posted by: Bulg at December 25, 2025 10:26 AM (77rzZ)
----------
I much prefer his "Lady with an Ermine."

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at December 25, 2025 10:27 AM (qbLEp)

124 For unto us a son is born:

https://tinyurl.com/mrbxnypr

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 25, 2025 10:27 AM (7JH4o)

125 The first recorded celebration of 25 December doesn’t arrive until 336 in an almanac that lists Roman holidays and the city’s consuls and prefects.

It also lists martyrs. At the top of that list is the date 25 December: ‘natus Christus in Betleem Judeae’, the text runs.

Posted by: r hennigantx at December 25, 2025 10:27 AM (gbOdA)

126 I wonder why there’s so much security?
Posted by: Trust Fund Nepo Babies armed with red paint at December 25, 2025 10:26 AM (fIo92)
----------
It was stolen at least once.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at December 25, 2025 10:28 AM (qbLEp)

127 Watching the St. Patrick service. The choir is using digital pads.
That's just dumb.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at December 25, 2025 10:28 AM (HXT0k)

128 Am I alone in thinking that the Mona Lisa is the most overrated painting in history?
Posted by: Bulg at December 25, 2025 10:26 AM (77rzZ)

It’s not even close to the best of just Da Vinci paintings.

Posted by: Opinion fact at December 25, 2025 10:28 AM (KDPiq)

129 Said the first shepherd to the second: "Yule be sorry if you miss the nativity."

Posted by: Oh, no. Xmas punz at December 25, 2025 10:28 AM (2Ez/1)

130 Pity poor Saint Agatha with her breasticles on a platter.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 25, 2025 10:28 AM (kpS4V)

131
Let Us Spray - a limerick

Advice from a nursemaid named Ruth
Well renowned for espousing the truth
"When changing a diaper
Employ a windshield wiper
Lest you encounter the Fountain of Youth"

Posted by: muldoon at December 25, 2025 10:29 AM (/iMjX)

132 I count this as Trump’s biggest troll of the Left.

Have to admit though I don’t think he should have done it.
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 25, 2025 10:25 AM (KDPiq)

The Left is already shrieking about it and has filed a lawsuit to make him take it down.
They considered it their High Holy Temple.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 25, 2025 10:30 AM (7JH4o)

133 If they look like yetis, so what? I bet they taste good!
(while I love to look at those fashionably intricately decorated cookies that smack of fine Rosmaling, having eaten one once, I was appalled at how bland, chalky, and awful they tasted with all that decoration designed for painting instead of eating. Same with the elaborate cakes that look JUST LIKE a seashell next to an umbrella drink--structurally amazing, taste like crap)

Daughter gave me an advent calendar where each little window held a tiny single-serving jar of limited edition Bonne Maman, and I've been having some of the weirder ones on a piece of shortbread with tea. Put them out as dippers with jellies, honey, chocolate!

Posted by: barbarausa at December 25, 2025 10:30 AM (enw9G)

134 122 Am I alone in thinking that the Mona Lisa is the most overrated painting in history?
Posted by: Bulg

We're sitting right here.

Posted by: Dogs playing poker at December 25, 2025 10:30 AM (2Ez/1)

135 BRIAN'S MUM: What is myrrh, anyway?

WISE MAN #3: It is a valuable balm.

BRIAN'S MUM: A balm? What are you giving him a balm for? It might bite him. That's a dangerous animal. Quick! Throw it in the trough.

WISE MAN #1: No, it isn't.

BRIAN'S MUM: Yes, it is. It's great, big mmm...

WISE MAN #3: No, no, no. It is an ointment.
>>>
BRIAN'S MUM: Er, well, um, if you're dropping by again, do pop in. Heh. And thanks a lot for the gold and frankincense, er, but don't worry too much about the myrrh next time. All right? Heh. Thank you! Good-bye!

Well, weren't they nice? Hmm. Out of their bloody minds, but still.

Posted by: Count de Monet at December 25, 2025 10:30 AM (wVcYX)

136 Have a blessed Christmas, hordlings. Hold close your loved ones. 💕🙏

Posted by: Jane D'oh at December 25, 2025 10:30 AM (4tmpE)

137 Theory is, the Mona Lisa is a feminized self-portrait.

Posted by: davidt at December 25, 2025 10:30 AM (Q+gd/)

138 Mary from Christmas VaCa turns 72 this year.

Posted by: r hennigantx at December 25, 2025 10:31 AM (gbOdA)

139 Oh, the yetis came out cute as buttons, Barb, and pretty tasty. I think folks are cookies out.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 25, 2025 10:32 AM (kpS4V)

140 "The choir is using digital pads"

Are hymnals out of print?

Posted by: barbarausa at December 25, 2025 10:32 AM (enw9G)

141 Merry Christmas Jane!!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 25, 2025 10:32 AM (kpS4V)

142 >>He has been described as the first impressionist.

Pfft..

Posted by: Rich Little at December 25, 2025 10:33 AM (Y1sOo)

143 That name has so much more flair than just calling him "Greg", which would be closer to the Spanish for 'Greek'.
Posted by: t-bird at December 25, 2025

***
I went to high school with a guy with the last name of "Griego." At the time I had no idea -- despite my Spanish classes -- that it meant "Greek."

(Years later, his son came to work at the undergrad admissions office of the college where I worked.)

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 25, 2025 10:33 AM (wzUl9)

144 I would highly recommend Walter Isaacson’s biography of Da Vinci. I came away with a different view of Da Vinci that I don’t think the author intended.

Posted by: Opinion fact at December 25, 2025 10:34 AM (KDPiq)

145 Theory is, the Mona Lisa is a feminized self-portrait.
Posted by: davidt

Some say that one can tell from the brush strokes that the weeny tuck was crushing.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at December 25, 2025 10:34 AM (/lPRQ)

146 El Greco's works would translate well to the medium of fluorescent paint on black velvet.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 25, 2025 10:34 AM (kpS4V)

147 I am glad the yetis are good, and the shapes worked.
grandgirl is on the way over to do shapes here, to take to other grandparents for Christmas dinner.
She is NEVER cookied out, but she's seven, so...

Posted by: barbarausa at December 25, 2025 10:34 AM (enw9G)

148 Muldoon ftw!

Posted by: tankdemon at December 25, 2025 10:35 AM (sjyPY)

149 Yetis made of cookie dough.

No wonder they are extinct.

nom nom nom nom

Posted by: Anna Puma at December 25, 2025 10:35 AM (2GVsD)

150 I much prefer his "Lady with an Ermine."

************

"I would travel all the way to Europe to view this if it weren't such a long fur piece..."

Posted by: muldoon at December 25, 2025 10:35 AM (/iMjX)

151 El Greco's works would translate well to the medium of fluorescent paint on black velvet.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 25, 2025 10:34 AM (kpS4V)
-----------
You missed his "Topless Lady Bullfighters on Black Velvet" series, then.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at December 25, 2025 10:35 AM (qbLEp)

152 Muldoon ftw!

Posted by: tankdemon at December 25, 2025 10:35 AM (sjyPY)
----------
I think it's pretty much always Muldoon ftw.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at December 25, 2025 10:36 AM (qbLEp)

153 Merry Christmas, Anna! Did Santa bring you any good model kits?

Sorry you didn't win the Powerball.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 25, 2025 10:36 AM (kpS4V)

154 "I'll be stretching for Christmas --
The chiro will handle me:
He'll pop my back
And my neck will crack
Between C2 and C3. . . ."

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 25, 2025 10:37 AM (wzUl9)

155 You missed his "Topless Lady Bullfighters on Black Velvet" series, then.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at December 25, 2025 10:35 AM (qbLEp)

“If not for them this would be my nation’s flag already, but they stand in the way, they stand in the way!!!”

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 25, 2025 10:38 AM (7JH4o)

156 134 We're sitting right here.
Posted by: Dogs playing poker at December 25, 2025 10:30 AM (2Ez/1)

Don't go disparaging great artwork like that. Next you'll be telling us that the "Hang in there" kitty is gauche.

Posted by: tankdemon at December 25, 2025 10:38 AM (sjyPY)

157 This is the fifty-fourth Christmas I've missed since I tried to suicide the whole family pulling out in front of the semi in DE. That lying, cheating Joe and his slag "babysitter" Jill are still vile low-lifes. How did I ever let myself get mixed up with that cretin?

Posted by: Neilia Hunter Biden From Beyond at December 25, 2025 10:39 AM (oftw2)

158 I'm shaved and dressed for company. Miss Linda will be here soon to make waffles and scrambled eggs for us. I've enclosed her gifts, the two packs of flavored coffee and the nice mahogany jewelry box, in those little Christmas-themed gift bags. All set.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 25, 2025 10:43 AM (wzUl9)

159 Merry Christmas you filthy animals.

Posted by: Erebus- Ex Killer Whale at December 25, 2025 10:44 AM (aKFQr)

160 A Merry Christmas to one and all!

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 25, 2025 10:46 AM (XeU6L)

161 Tonight we are having dinner at MiL and her old lady posse. It will be a NYT echo chamber.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 25, 2025 10:46 AM (OWovX)

162 Just sitting here drinking some Irish Coffee and trying to get this VT220 terminal and vim to behave.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 25, 2025 10:47 AM (XV/Pl)

163 Merry Christmas to all the Horde and Hordlings.

Be safe today.

Posted by: Pleistocene Megafauna at December 25, 2025 10:47 AM (XbNmU)

164 John Singleton Copley has my favorite nativity scene painting because he Americanized it. It’s also very well done .

Posted by: Opinion fact at December 25, 2025 10:47 AM (KDPiq)

165 161 Tonight we are having dinner at MiL and her old lady posse. It will be a NYT echo chamber.
Posted by: San Franpsycho

Earplugs? Nod alot?

Posted by: Endeavour To Persevere at December 25, 2025 10:48 AM (oftw2)

166 Bravo Muldoon

Posted by: Skip at December 25, 2025 10:48 AM (Ia/+0)

167 Just sitting here drinking some Irish Coffee and trying to get this VT220 terminal and vim to behave.
Posted by: Thomas Bender

Have you taken it in to your local store's Apple Genius?

Posted by: t-bird at December 25, 2025 10:49 AM (OjdEO)

168 Eris

Guess you didn't win the building funds for your secret island base either.

Friend gifted me a kit with the offer, "if you don't like it, I can swap it out for a Luftwaffe bomber."

Posted by: Anna Puma at December 25, 2025 10:50 AM (2GVsD)

169 Am I alone in thinking that the Mona Lisa is the most overrated painting in history?
Posted by: Bulg

We're sitting right here.
Posted by: Dogs playing poker at December 25, 2025 10:30 AM (2Ez/1)

I saw a video the other day, ranking the Top 50 paintings of all time. No secret which one ended up #1, but the dogs painting was on the list, somewhere in the 20s, I think.

Ranking these things is silly. Personally, I think some of the more famous artists are way overrated.

Oddly, there wasn't a single Picasso on the list.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 25, 2025 10:50 AM (Fju+s)

170 There's something funny going on here. I don't like it.

Posted by: Herod at December 25, 2025 10:50 AM (XeU6L)

171 Is this one of those that the aging of the paint made it so dark? Or did the artist do it that way originally?

Posted by: GWB at December 25, 2025 10:50 AM (Sq0bO)

172 ]i\John Singleton Copley has my favorite nativity scene painting because he Americanized it. It’s also very well done .
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 25, 2025

***
It's set in a stable in Wyoming, with three cowboys and a roped calf around the manger?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 25, 2025 10:50 AM (wzUl9)

173 There's something funny going on here. I don't like it.
Posted by: Herod at December 25, 2025 10:50 AM (XeU6L)

You better stop, Herod, what's that sound? Everybody look what's going round.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 25, 2025 10:52 AM (Fju+s)

174 Is this one of those that the aging of the paint made it so dark? Or did the artist do it that way originally?
Posted by: GWB
-----------

Chiaroscuro

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 25, 2025 10:53 AM (XeU6L)

175 We tried to light an exploding cigar.

Posted by: Three Wise Men at December 25, 2025 10:54 AM (wVcYX)

176 It's set in a stable in Wyoming, with three cowboys and a roped calf around the manger?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 25, 2025 10:50 AM (wzUl9)

Heh. Actually close.

Posted by: Opinion fact at December 25, 2025 10:54 AM (KDPiq)

177 Is this one of those that the aging of the paint made it so dark? Or did the artist do it that way originally?
Posted by: GWB at December 25, 2025 10:50 AM (Sq0bO)

Sometimes the digital copies that show up online get the color and brightness wrong.

Not sure if that's the case here.

Or if someone got hold of it after it was done, and plopped the lounging cat in there.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 25, 2025 10:54 AM (Fju+s)

178 >>> Merry Christmas to all the Horde and Hordlings.

Be safe today.
Posted by: Pleistocene Megafauna at December 25, 2025 10:47 AM (XbNmU)

Anyone read any Julian May? I picked up a book and finished only to find out it was a backstory to her main series written towards the end. Lots of time travel so it’s confusing. Is the main Pleistocene part good?

Posted by: banana Dream at December 25, 2025 10:56 AM (fIo92)

179 Is this one of those that the aging of the paint made it so dark?
----------
The darkening of old paintings over time is generally due to the organic varnish used, not the paint. And there is also dirt and grime.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at December 25, 2025 10:56 AM (qbLEp)

180 It's set in a stable in Wyoming, with three cowboys and a roped calf around the manger?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 25, 2025
*
Heh. Actually close.
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 25, 2025

***
The three cowboys are painted to look like the young James Stewart, Henry Fonda, and Audie Murphy, Joseph looks like Van Heflin, and Mary looks like Loretta Young?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 25, 2025 10:56 AM (wzUl9)

181 >>> Friend gifted me a kit with the offer, "if you don't like it, I can swap it out for a Luftwaffe bomber."

Those things will drain your savings with the upkeep.

Posted by: fluffy at December 25, 2025 10:56 AM (AN2gy)

182 Lounging cat?

LOUNGING CAT???!!!!

Posted by: I'm a GOAT, dammit at December 25, 2025 10:56 AM (m0WlR)

183 Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 25, 2025 10:56 AM (wzUl9)

Colonial America.

Posted by: Opinion fact at December 25, 2025 10:57 AM (KDPiq)

184 FIRST!!!!!

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at December 25, 2025 10:57 AM (Zz0t1)

185 Merry Christmas!!!!!

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at December 25, 2025 10:57 AM (Zz0t1)

186 > Friend gifted me a kit with the offer, "if you don't like it, I can swap it out for a Luftwaffe bomber."

Those things will drain your savings with the upkeep.
Posted by: fluffy at December 25, 2025 10:56 AM (AN2gy)

Cliff Clavin trivia tells me that’s where the term White Elephant originated.

Posted by: Opinion fact at December 25, 2025 10:59 AM (KDPiq)

187 "if you don't like it, I can swap it out for a Luftwaffe bomber."
---
Christmas at the Eagle's Nest.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 25, 2025 10:59 AM (kpS4V)

188 SPONGE!!!!!!

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at December 25, 2025 10:59 AM (qbLEp)

189 The darkening of old paintings over time is generally due to the organic varnish used, not the paint. And there is also dirt and grime.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea

Might be some smoke involved too.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at December 25, 2025 10:59 AM (/lPRQ)

190 Cliff Clavin trivia tells me that’s where the term White Elephant originated.

Luftwaffe nerd, "RLM76!"

Posted by: Anna Puma at December 25, 2025 11:00 AM (2GVsD)

191 Interesting choice of clothing and chapeau for Mary. Looking closely, it appears that she is wearing a fur cap and a robe of finely-woven cloth with cuffs. And she has a robe. Contemporary art had her in flowing robes and a veil. No cuffs. No hat of any sort. Blue and white, not rose.

Joseph's expression and hand gestures are of a man gazing at a miracle not of his making. The clothing is certainly less pretentious than Mary's. He is a working man, Mary is the daughter of a Temple priest.

Hmmm... Chania, Crete had a thriving Jewish community at the time of El Greco's childhood. I wonder if he decided to change the iconography a bit as a nod to a homeland far away.

Posted by: mrp at December 25, 2025 11:00 AM (rj6Yv)

192 The darkening of old paintings over time is generally due to the organic varnish used, not the paint. And there is also dirt and grime.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at December 25, 2025 10:56 AM (qbLEp)

Wrong!

It was the Dark Ages. Everything was darker.

That's why baseball wasn't invented yet.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 25, 2025 11:00 AM (KwCuT)

193 Lounging cat?

LOUNGING CAT???!!!!
Posted by: I'm a GOAT, dammit at December 25, 2025 10:56 AM (m0WlR)

Next you'll try to tell me that thing closer to the crib isn't a mountain lion.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 25, 2025 11:01 AM (KwCuT)

194 It was the Dark Ages. Everything was darker.

That's why baseball wasn't invented yet.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 25, 2025

***
The origin of the term "twi-night double-header"?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at December 25, 2025 11:01 AM (wzUl9)

195 Contemporary art had her in flowing robes and a veil. No cuffs. No hat of any sort. Blue and white, not rose.
----------
In the version CBD first posted, her gown was nearly crimson in color.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at December 25, 2025 11:01 AM (qbLEp)

196 Merry Christmas.

Christmas babe.

http://alturl.com/5hvwv

And nood.

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at December 25, 2025 11:01 AM (dK+Kv)

197 Might be some smoke involved too.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at December 25, 2025 10:59 AM (/lPRQ)

No, smoke was on the water.

The fire was in the sky.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 25, 2025 11:02 AM (KwCuT)

198 #191 "And she has a robe."

I meant to type "And she has a cloak."

Posted by: mrp at December 25, 2025 11:04 AM (rj6Yv)

199 Merry Christmas.

Christmas babe.

http://alturl.com/5hvwv

And nood.
Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon

Santa gonna get himself some cookies!

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at December 25, 2025 11:04 AM (/lPRQ)

200 Kirsche finds drug plushies...

https://tinyurl.com/3b6k4xtr

Posted by: Anna Puma at December 25, 2025 11:05 AM (2GVsD)

201 No, smoke was on the water.

The fire was in the sky.
Posted by: BurtTC

Sorry. My fault entirely.

Posted by: Some Stupid W/a Flare Gun at December 25, 2025 11:05 AM (oftw2)

202 42 Somalians came up with zero.
Posted by: dantesed at December 25, 2025 09:44 AM (Oy/m2)

-- They only did that because they needed something to indicate their contributions to civilization.

Posted by: vvivi at December 25, 2025 11:10 AM (cpunl)

203 Just looked it up, the state with the most number or Powerball winners is Indiana.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 25, 2025 11:11 AM (XV/Pl)

204 THIS is why some of you didn't receive your Christmas presents this year. YouTube link.

https://tinyurl.com/5hdx5y4y

Posted by: thatcrazyjerseyguy at December 25, 2025 11:11 AM (5xuJ/)

205 Yeah yeah … 'adoration'' etc … DAMN! This is one dark-ass painting! Whatever happened to classical usage of light and dark to play off of each other!? This is pretty close to qualifying as 'dismal' in its tone. See? THIS is why God made the color 'white' - and also taught Man how to invent the on-camera flash unit. Otherwise, it's a nice painting, even if it is kinda morose. Merry Christmas, Hordesters and Hordettes …

Posted by: Dr_No at December 25, 2025 11:20 AM (ayRl+)

206 Seems kinda dark for the subject matter.

Posted by: Zumkopf at December 25, 2025 12:57 PM (LcYfz)

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