Aris Raissis’ The Nativity draws upon the rich tradition of European religious painting, presenting the birth of Christ with the intimacy and dramatic atmosphere associated with the Old Masters. The Nativity has inspired artists for centuries, from the devotional compositions of the Renaissance to the deeply expressive, candlelit scenes of the Baroque period, where light became a powerful symbol of divine presence. Born in Cairo in 1962 to a family of Greek origin, Raissis studied at Chelsea School of Fine Art and Byam Shaw School of Art, graduating in 1985. Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to reviving traditional painting techniques, drawing particular inspiration from Rembrandt and Anthony van Dyck. His practice combines classical craftsmanship with a fascination for human expression, narrative and the emotional qualities of figurative painting. In The Nativity, Raissis employs dramatic contrasts of light and shadow to evoke the reverence surrounding Christ's birth. The intimate gathering recalls the devotional traditions of seventeenth-century painting, reflecting the artist's ability to bring historical techniques and timeless subjects into a contemporary setting.