In Bethlehem, underneath the ancient Church of the Nativity, is a little cave, which is recognized by all the world’s Christian Religions as being the actual grotto where animals were sheltered and Jesus was born. No wooden stable would have existed at the time, because build-able wood is very scarce in the Holy Land. A stone structure or ready-made grotto like a cave would have been used to shelter livestock.
Although it is more Biblical to illustrate the Wise Men visiting a bit later than the Shepherds, as Scripture calls the dwelling a “house”, most “Manger Scenes” show the Wise Men visiting the actual “Stable”.
I don’t get too upset about it though. The Scripture says they visited, and so they did.
Anyway, Tissot’s painting shows the grotto just as it looks to this day in Bethlehem...minus the silver, gold, vigil lamps, icons, and altar-cloths.
I know Tissot spent a lot of time in The Holy Land, so I am sure he must have visited the Church of the Nativity.
I still remember how I felt, standing in that exact same spot as the Wise Men in that painting.
If you recall, on the page “The Adoration of the shepherds”, Giorgione places the scene at the entrance of a cave. Just 4 people adoring the baby, greater intimacy and meditation.
I have read that Palestine had lots of caves, shelter for animals, for people, storage, burials etc. so it makes sense they sought refuge in one. I have also read that Joseph had relatives in his ancestral village and, by the law of the time, he would have stayed with them. If they had no room for the visitors, they would have stayed downstairs with the animals.
What a beautifully moving experience you had, Mary-Lou!