Triptych of the Nativity at the Cathedral of Nantes

On the occasion of the Midnight Mass of 2004
celebrated at the Cathedral of St Pierre in Nantes,
Monsignor Soubrier unveiled this Nativity of 3.5 m2 painted by Alain Thomas.



A full year of work for this painting of the Nativity Scene
which can now be seen "on perpetual exhibition" at the Cathedral of Nantes

Recognized in France and abroad as the leading contemporary painter of the "naïve-primitive" style, Alain Thomas consecrated an entire year to the creation of this triptych of 3.5 m2 on the theme of the Nativity. For the artist, this painting constitutes the greatest original work that he has ever created. The property of the Diocesan Association of Nantes, the Nativity Scene of Alain Thomas is now on perpetual exhibition at the Cathedral of Nantes since Christmas of 2004. By a common agreement between the representatives of the Ministry of Culture and the Diocese of Nantes, the hanging of this work has now taken on its definitive character.

Formal unveiling of the work in the presence of 2500 persons

Hung in the Cathedral on Tuesday, the 21st of December 2004, this painting of the Nativity Scene was voluntarily concealed just until the following Friday to be symbolically unveiled by Monsignor Soubrier at the beginning of the Christmas Mass. At Midnight, after having mounted the central aisle leading to the heart of the Cathedral, Monsignor Soubrier turned toward the left in the direction of the Chapel of the Sacred Heart to unveil, accompanied by Alain Thomas, the Triptych of the Nativity in the presence of 2500 persons who had come to celebrate Christmas.

More than a work of art, it is a message of peace

The figurative pictorial style of this Nativity Scene lies within the framework of Flemish art and thus fits easily into a religious building like the Cathedral of Nantes. By the simplicity of its expression and the warmth of its colours, this painting by Alain Thomas harmonises with the Christmas message which consists, among others, of an appeal to the heart for peace. In translating a certain innocence, joy and beauty in the Nativity, this work of art contrasts with the numerous acts of violence which surround us and can only sensitize the 400 000 annual visitors to the Cathedral (believers and non-believers, the young and the not-so-young…) to the message of peace that it contains.

Factual information on the Nativity Scene by Alain Thomas
Title : Nativité
Form: triptych
Support: wood panels
Technique: oil painting
Dimensions: 186 cm x 110 cm (without frame)
235 cm x 150 cm (with frame)
Date of execution: the year 2004
Place of hanging: Chapel of the Sacred Heart – Cathedral of St Pierre in Nantes
Date of unveiling: The 24th of December 2004 at the beginning of the Midnight Christmas Mass